After the earliest heat wave ever observed in Quebec, some were surprised to see hailstorms on Monday.

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The most powerful storm cell developed in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and reached its peak in Saint-Hyacinthe, leaving chunks of ice the size of a pea in its path, explained Frédérick Boulay, meteorologist at Environment Canada.

The photo above, taken in Granby, is eloquent. The wind from the storm also knocked down tree branches and power poles on Route 223, near Saint-Basile-le-Grand.