2012 was a tough year in China as severe droughts ravaged huge sections of the country. In response, the country's official Weather Modification Bureau (seriously) began a massive campaign to bring about rain. The result was a truly unique science fiction experience to live through.
It was just after 2:15pm in the afternoon and the skies turned pitch black. People were heading outside and just staring at the unbelievable sky. It was utterly surreal. Eventually, thunder rocked the building and lightening lit up the pea green sky as torrential rain began to fall. Schools and businesses closed as the municipal government asked everyone to head home.