Children in Barcelona's Raval neighbourhood experienced an unexpected 'snowfall' in May, as a sudden hailstorm on Tuesday turned Plaça del Pes de la Palla white. They quickly organised an impromptu 'snowball fight' using the small ice pellets, an unusual sight captured by Àlex Sancliment.
The intense hailstorm surprised many across the city. Streets and squares briefly took on a winter appearance, with white patches resembling snow. Pedestrians were caught off guard, with many running for shelter in doorways and shops as the hail fell heavily. Although the episode was brief, many ended up soaked, according to local reports.
Sudden Weather Shift
The storm arrived abruptly, with little warning for most residents. Only those closely monitoring the sky or the Meteocat radar were prepared for the intense rain that had been developing over Collserola and was clearly heading for Barcelona.
The sudden change in weather also brought a notable drop in temperature. In the Raval, for instance, temperatures fell sharply from 19 ºC to 13 ºC in a short period. Strong wind gusts were also recorded across the city. The Fabra Observatory registered a maximum gust of 60 km/h. In the Raval, gusts reached 40 km/h, while Gràcia saw speeds of 47 km/h and Plaça de Sants recorded 45 km/h.
Lingering Memories of a Brief Storm
By Wednesday, almost no trace of the hail remained. However, photographs and videos of the storm continue to circulate, serving as a reminder of the surprising and brief weather event. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of spring weather in Catalonia, even as the region typically enjoys warmer temperatures in May.
