Hail is a type of precipitation that falls from the sky during a thunderstorm. It consists of balls or chunks of ice that can range in size from very small (like a pea) to very large (like a grapefruit).
Hail forms when strong winds and thunderstorms lift raindrops high into the atmosphere, where the air is very cold. As the raindrops are carried higher and higher into the cold air, they freeze into ice. When the winds and thunderstorms are strong enough, the ice balls can be carried even higher into the atmosphere, where they pick up more layers of ice.
When the hailstones become too heavy for the thunderstorm clouds to hold onto, they fall to the ground. Because hail is made of ice, it can be very hard and can cause damage when it hits the ground. Hail is most common in the spring and summer months, when thunderstorms are more common.
If you are outside during a hailstorm, it’s important to seek shelter immediately. You should also stay away from windows, as hail can break glass and cause injuries. If you are in a car, pull over and wait for the hailstorm to pass.
