A freak hailstorm has struck Guadalajara, one of Mexico's most populous cities, shocking residents and trapping vehicles in a deluge of ice pellets up to two metres deep.

"I've never seen such scenes in Guadalajara," state governor Enrique Alfaro said.

"Then we ask ourselves if climate change is real. These are never-before-seen natural phenomena. It's incredible."

Cars and houses were heavily damaged in the hailstorm. ( AFP: Ulises Ruiz )

Guadalajara, located north of Mexico City and with a population of around 5 million, has been experiencing summer temperature of around 31 degrees Celsius in recent days.

While seasonal hail storms do occur, there is no record of anything so heavy.

Around 5 million people live in Guadalajara. ( AFP: Ulises Ruiz )

At least six neighbourhoods in the city outskirts woke up to the sight of thick ice stacked many metres high.

While children scampered around and hurled iceballs at each other, Civil Protection personnel and soldiers brought out heavy machinery to clear the roads.

No casualties were reported, but two people showed "early signs of hypothermia". ( AFP: Ulises Ruiz )

Nearly 200 homes and businesses reported hail damage, and at least 50 vehicles were swept away by the deluge of ice in hilly areas, some buried under piles of pellets.

While no casualties were reported, two people showed "early signs of hypothermia," the state Civil Protection office said.

AFP