All Hail Singapore!

Hailstorm falls in western part of the sunny island on 25th June 2013, of which the last occurrence took place five years ago in 2008.

Amidst the hazy situation in Singapore recently, some citizens have feared that the composition of the hailstones may contain toxins from the cloud seeding activity in Indonesia in a bid to contain and bring down the forest fire. However, this worry is unfounded for, as the cloud seeding activity is too distant from Singapore. That being said, it does not mean that the haze situation did not contribute to this rare occurrence.

To make understanding easier, we shall take a look at the formation of hailstorm. As released by the National Environment Agency's spokeperson, hailstorm forms as a result of "supercooled water droplets freezing on contact with particles in the air, such as dust, during a thunderstorm". So, essentially, how hailstorm is conjured depends on multiple factors, inclusive of particles in the air which may be linked to the recent haze episode.

All in all, this occurrence though rare, is not unprecedented. Instead of creating mass panic, like posting messages like "CRAZY HAILSTONES IN SG, CAN KILL!", it is important for our sunny people to stay composed and positive. Work life order must be in place and together we can combat all situations. Stay strong. And yes, those hailstones won't kill you but I can't say the same for the resultant fallen trees and broken windscreens.

Majulah Singapura.

video credits: youtube user tiramisupoop & channel5news