Wat-Not Staff
In 2024, hailstorms emerged as the most destructive weather phenomenon in the United States, surpassing hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes in terms of economic damage.
As the climate continues to warm, researchers predict that these costly hail events will become even more severe, with larger hailstones expected to fall more frequently.
The Growing Impact of Hailstorms
According to a report by Gallagher Re, a global reinsurance firm, hailstorms have caused between $31 billion and $49 billion in damage in the U.S. so far this year.
This figure accounts for the majority of the $61 billion in total losses attributed to thunderstorms. The rising damage costs have led to increased insurance premiums, as insurers reassess the risks associated with these extreme weather events.
Hail is formed when thunderstorms circulate raindrops into the upper atmosphere, where they freeze and grow larger before falling to the ground.
The severity of hailstorms is linked to atmospheric instability, which is exacerbated by climate change.
As temperatures rise, thunderstorms are becoming more intense, allowing hailstones to grow larger before they fall.
Climate Change and Future Risks
A recent study from Northern Illinois University suggests that the frequency of large hailstones—those over 1.5 inches in diameter—could increase by 15% to 75% in the coming years, depending on future greenhouse gas emissions.
The study’s lead author, Victor Gensini, explained that stronger updrafts within thunderstorms, fueled by warmer temperatures, will allow hailstones to accumulate more ice, making them larger and more damaging.
This trend poses significant challenges for the insurance industry and affected communities.
As hail storms become more destructive, the need for accurate forecasting and early warnings becomes even more critical.
Next year, scientists will conduct the first U.S. field study on hail since the 1970s, aiming to better understand hailstorm dynamics and improve prediction models.
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