BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Intense rain accompanied by hail has cooled down Beijing, which experienced a sweltering summer this year, the city's meteorological station said Tuesday.

Temperatures in the Chinese capital plunged to 24 degrees Celcius on Tuesday following the rainstorm from Monday to Tuesday morning, prompting residents to put on long-sleeve garments to cope with the autumn chill.

The bureau said the city proper recorded an average rainfall of 76.4 mm, with torrential rain observed in the eastern and southern parts of the city.

"Beijing's weather ushered in a turning point on Monday, as rain and gales sent temperature plummeting, ending the blue alert prompted by high temperatures," said Lei Lei, chief forecaster of the station, adding that the rain also relieved the city's drought.