What Is the Heaviest Known Hailstone?

The heaviest known hailstone fell in the Gopalganj District of Bangladesh on 14 April 1986. The hailstone was recorded at a weight of 2.25 pounds (1.02 kg). It was said to be slightly larger than the average cantaloupe.

More facts about hailstones:

  • The largest hailstone to fall in the United States landed near Vivian, South Dakota, in July 2010. The stone measured 8 inches (about 20 cm) across and weighed 1.94 pounds (0.88 kg).

  • Scientists believe that the worst hailstorm in terms of the loss of life occurred in India during the ninth century, around the year 850, as a group of travelers were crossing through what is now a valley near Roopkund, India. Remains of 200 individuals have been found in the valley, all dating to the same period and with similar injuries on the heads and shoulders. A local folk song tells the tale of how a goddess was angered by the crossing of outsiders in her sanctuary and sent death in the form of ice stones that were as hard as iron.

  • The United States is home to what is known as a hail belt, a region where hail falls more often. It includes the states of Colorado and Texas, along with sections of other states in that region, such as Oklahoma, Nebraska and Kansas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the heaviest hailstone ever recorded?

The heaviest hailstone on record weighed a staggering 1.02 kilograms (2.25 pounds) and fell in Gopalganj, Bangladesh, on April 14, 1986. This extraordinary hailstone is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the heaviest, reflecting the severity of hailstorms that can occur under extreme weather conditions.

How large can hailstones typically get?

Hailstones vary widely in size, commonly ranging from pea-sized (about 1/4 inch) to the size of a softball (4.5 inches in diameter). However, under intense thunderstorm conditions, hailstones can grow even larger. The National Weather Service considers hailstones larger than 0.75 inches in diameter as severe, potentially causing significant damage.

What conditions are necessary for the formation of large hailstones?

Large hailstones form in strong thunderstorms with powerful updrafts, which keep the hailstones aloft in the cumulonimbus cloud. The longer they are suspended, the more layers of ice can accumulate as they repeatedly ascend and descend through varying levels of humidity and temperature. This process continues until the hailstones become too heavy for the updrafts to support, causing them to fall to the ground.

Can hailstones pose a danger to people or property?

Yes, hailstones can be extremely dangerous. Large hail can cause serious injury or even fatalities if it strikes individuals. It can also inflict significant damage to property, including vehicles, roofs, and crops. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, hailstorms result in billions of dollars of damage annually in the United States alone.

Are there any regions more prone to large hailstones?

Certain regions are more susceptible to large hailstones, particularly areas where the conditions for severe thunderstorms are common. The central United States, known as "Hail Alley," which includes parts of Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming, frequently experiences large hail. Similarly, parts of India and Bangladesh are also known for severe hailstorms.

How do meteorologists predict and track hailstorms?

Meteorologists use radar technology, satellite data, and atmospheric modeling to predict and track hailstorms. Doppler radar is particularly useful for identifying the hallmarks of hail-producing thunderstorms, such as strong updrafts and the presence of a well-defined hail core. These tools enable timely warnings to be issued to the public to minimize the risk of injury and property damage.

More Info: http://wmo.asu.edu

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