A violent hailstorm struck the rural commune of Iarintsena, in the Ambalavao district, last Sunday. This meteorological event caused an agricultural disaster for the local population. The hailstones covered a vast area of cultivated fields. “90% of our plantations were destroyed by the hail,” testified a resident.
This meteorological phenomenon observed in Ambalavao stems from the same mechanism as the local showers that occurred recently, from the South to the Central Highlands. These rains surprised many. Some wondered if these were already the first inter-seasonal rains. The General Directorate of Meteorology clarifies that these precipitations are due to a climatic anomaly. “An upper-level depression that formed in South Africa moved closer to the south of Madagascar. This disturbance caused these local showers,” technicians explained. They confirm that winter is not over yet.
These showers were not induced rain either. “Cloud seeding was not necessary. Natural meteorological conditions were already met to trigger the rain. Moreover, these precipitations manifested over a particularly vast geographical area,” explains Miakadaza Harinjaka Randriamahandry, Head of the Meteorological Applications Service. Overcast weather is still expected this morning, with some showers in the afternoon over the Central Highlands.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-18 05:38:45 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/meteo-des-grelons-tombent-ambalavao.html