A hailstorm that swept across the Lleida plain on Tuesday afternoon has caused between 40% and 60% damage to around 2,030 hectares of crops, according to initial estimates from the Department of Agriculture.
The storm, which occurred around 7pm, travelled from east to west across the Segrià region, also reaching Les Garrigues and the south of Pla d'Urgell. It brought intense downpours and small hail, approximately one centimetre in size, affecting several municipalities in these three areas.
Sweet fruit crops were particularly hit, including sensitive species like nectarines and apricots, as well as apples and pears. Cereal and maize fields also saw damage, officials said.
Assessing the Impact
Despite the damage, the Department of Agriculture described Tuesday's event as a "moderate and very localised" episode. They noted it was far less severe than the devastating hailstorms experienced in April of last year.
The Plant Defence Association (ADV) of Terres de Ponent confirmed damage on Tuesday evening to fruit farms without anti-hail nets. Affected municipalities included Soses, Torres de Segre, Puigverd de Lleida, Artesa de Lleida, Miralcamp, el Palau d'Anglesola, Juneda, and Bovera.
This marks the third day of hail recorded in the ADV Terres de Ponent study area during this year's campaign. Farmers in the region continue to face challenges from unpredictable weather patterns.
