Rising global temperatures could increase the maximum size of hailstones by up to 47%, according to new research. The study, led by scientists at the University of Reading, examined how climate change affects the conditions that create hail.
Hail forms when water droplets are carried upward into thunderstorms by strong updraughts. The droplets freeze and grow as moisture accumulates on their surface. Larger hailstones require more moisture and more powerful updraughts. As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture, potentially leading to larger hail.
The researchers used climate models to simulate how hailstorms might change under future warming scenarios. They found that the maximum size of hailstones could increase by 47% in some regions, including parts of the United States, Europe, and Australia. The study also predicted that hailstorms would become more frequent in these areas.
However, the authors caution that the increase in hail size may not be uniform across all regions. Some areas, such as parts of Asia and South America, could see a decrease in hail frequency due to changes in atmospheric stability.
The findings highlight the potential for more severe hailstorms in the future, with implications for property damage and agriculture. The study is published in the journal 'Nature Climate Change'.
