lsuckling@dailyadvertiser.com.auWagga was hit by a freak hail storm last night as thunder and lightning lashed the region. The hail, which was at its peak about 9.30pm, follows heavy rain which hit the Riverina on Monday night. It lasted for about two minutes. There was no immediate report of any damage to property caused by the hail.The recent days' rain has given local farmers hope of their crops surviving until harvest. More showers are expected today.The Bureau of Meterology predicted rain and thunderstorms across the Riverina and South-West slopes during this week, with 20mm potentially falling in the area.Albury and Corowa received up to 9mm of rain on Monday night, with Wagga experiencing 4.2mm. The biggest rainfall was experienced at Deniliquin, with 15mm and local mayor Lindsay Renwick was very impressed with "copping a big one which didn't do a lot of damage"."We had a good storm (Monday night) ? one of the best storms I've seen in a long time with heavy rain and electrical storms. It was unbelievable," said Cr Renwick.According to Mr Renwick, it was "a bit of a godsend", and he is hoping it will "do some good for the farmers".The recent rainfall was a positive for local farmers, after Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald announced on Monday that 65.9 per cent of the state is in drought.