The unprecedented phenomenon hit Guadalajara, one of the most populated Mexican cities, covering at least six major neighbourhoods with ice. Drifts of up to six feet five inches (two metres) deep have covered roads, cars, homes and businesses. At least 50 vehicles have been swept away by the deluge of hail.
Approximately 200 homes and businesses have reported damage from hail according to authorities.
State governor, Enrique Alfaro said: “I’ve never seen such scenes in Guadalajara.
“Then we ask ourselves if climate change is real. These are never-before-seen natural phenomena. It’s incredible.”
Local officials also reported flooding and fallen trees, but no-one is thought to have been hurt.
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Two people are showing the “early signs of hypothermia”, authorities said.
Children have been playing in the streets, throwing ice balls at each other as heavy machinery was brought in to clear the roads.
What causes summer hailstorms?
Hail forms when strong currents of rising air – or updrafts – carry water high enough that they freeze.
A strong updraft can cause hailstones to form large enough to reach the ground.
The stronger the updraft, the larger the hail.
Hail is more common during the early summer months when temperatures are warm enough to support instability to cause strong thunderstorms, but the upper atmosphere is still cool enough to create ice.
This is why it can still hail during the summer – as the air at ground level may be warm, but higher in the sky it can still be cold enough.
Guadalajara is north of Mexico City and has a population of around five million.
The area had been experiencing summer temperatures of around 31C in recent days.
Seasonal hailstorms have been recorded before, but nothing as heavy has ever been recorded.
Jarring images show ice burying cars and covering streets as residents stand by in t-shirts and shorts.
Despite the ice-covered ground, today temperatures in Guadalajara are expected to rise to 28C (82F).