Strange weather: Hail and heat in The Bahamas

Bahamians in Freeport on Grand Bahama got more than they bargained for with the heavy rains on Sunday when they experienced hail. The icy weather phenomenon was recorded over the weekend by many residents who expressed awe at the sight while some viewed it as an ominous sign.  

Although it is not the first time hail has fallen in parts of The Bahamas, the weather event still came as a shock to those on Freeport as The Bahamas is under a Heat Advisory due to a current heatwave being experienced

However, over the weekend The Bahamas Department of Meteorology did issue a severe thunderstorm warning and watch which indicated the possibility of hail with heavy downpours.  

The meteorology department in a post on Monday says it looks to be a busy day weatherwise across NW Bahamas. Showers will be locally heavy and thunderstorms strong to severe at times. Persons can expect possible hail and waterspout activity along with strong gusty winds in showers and thunderstorms. 

According to the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, hail is a form of precipitation consisting of solid ice that forms inside thunderstorm updrafts. 

Hail falls when it becomes heavy enough to overcome the strength of the thunderstorm updraft and is pulled toward the earth by gravity.