Study finds climate change will increase large hailstorms

Science

PBS.org

Researchers reported that climate change will likely increase the frequency of large hail greater than 1.2 inches (30 mm) by 38% to 47% by the end of the century, while smaller hailstorms should shrink by 4% to 8%. The study used three-dimensional hail-formation modeling and multiple emissions scenarios, and attributes the change to warmer air holding more water vapor and stronger updrafts. Larger stones now cause substantial damage to roofs, vehicles and solar panels, and hail already costs the United States about $10 billion and roughly $80 billion globally each year, raising the prospect of greater infrastructure and insurance losses.

Large hail over 1.2 inches will increase up to 47% by century end.