Hailstorm warning in northeastern Thailand

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Meteorological Department warns northeastern and high-altitude areas against possible recurrent hailstorms.

Several areas in the northeastern region were littered with hailstones yesterday, prompting the meteorological department to issue warnings.

Meteorological Department's deputy director Chalermchai Ekkantrong said that the storms are caused by the clashes between cold weather fronts passing through northeastern Thailand from China and warm fronts currently lingering in the country.

These hailstorms occur every year and are characterised by a brief fall within a small area.

Chalermchai added that hailstorms are more likely in high-altitude areas. Before a hailstorm, there will usually be strong gusty winds, rain and thunder storms.

--The Nation 2004-04-02

There has been a Hailstorm yesterday evening in Khon Kaen: many houses and cars are damaged.

Did there go something wrong with the rain-making?

I understand that the Yasothon Rocket festival has been banned this year due to threats of terrorism..........they fear that some Al Queaeda may tryo to fire a rocket at George Bush from Yasothon !! This is why there is hail !!