A downpour hit Beijing on Monday afternoon and hail is forecast in parts of the city.

The heavy rain started at about 3:00 PM. According to the Beijing Municipal Meteorological Station, the rain will affect the western districts of Haidian and Shijingshan as well as the central and southern parts of the capital city in about three hours.

Some areas are expected to experience hail, according to the forecast.

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2008)