Episode Details

Hail the size of grapefruits and softballs is becoming alarmingly common, fueled by supercooled water, powerful updrafts, and tiny ice nuclei. Scientists are racing to decode why some storms spawn monster hail while others don’t, using projects like ICECHIP to improve forecasts. Recent events—from Iowa’s two-inch hail in March 2026 to St. Louis’s golf ball-sized barrage in May 2025—show the real-world damage. Climate change may be playing a role, as warmer air holds more moisture, but how that translates to bigger hail remains unclear. Researchers are focusing on wind patterns aloft, since they dictate storm longevity and updraft strength—critical for hail growth. Supercells, with their rotation and sustained updrafts, are especially key to producing these extreme hailstones.

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