Hail can cause great damage to you, your home, and your cars. It is no surprise because, at the end of the day, hail really is just small chunks of ice raining down from above.

And there are two questions that have boggled the minds of millions: why does it hail in the summer, and why mostly in the hot summer? In this post, we will cover why it hails in the summer and the ways to protect yourself in the event that a hailstorm heads your way.

Why It Hails in the Summer

Hail is solid precipitation that is somewhere between rain and snow. It is described by the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) as precipitation consisting of solid ice that forms inside thunderstorm updrafts.

All the action happens in the upper regions of thunderclouds, also known as cumulonimbus clouds. Inside these clouds, the temperature is below the freezing point at all times of the year — even in July.

During thunderstorms, raindrops are pulled into the clouds because of strong updrafts. These raindrops freeze inside the upper region of the thunderclouds. As more water droplets collide and stick to one another, these globs of ice get bigger and bigger. These are known as hailstones. Once a thunderstorm's updraft can no longer support the weight of the hailstones, they start descending downward.

Hailstorms can occur anywhere in the United States, but especially in the central and southern plains states stretching from Texas to the Dakotas. This span of land is referred to as Hail Alley. As for frequency, hailstorms are most common in the early summer.

How to Protect Your Home in the Case of a Hailstorm

It is not surprising that hail — pellets of solid ice — can cause serious damage to your home. If a hailstorm is expected in the coming days or weeks, we strongly recommend taking these steps to prepare:

  • Install shutters to your windows, skylights, and even sliding glass doors
  • Bring outdoor furniture inside
  • Trim greenery close to your home for potential fly-away branches
  • Get your roof inspected for damages
  • Ensure routine care of your roof

Storm Damage Omaha connects homeowners and business owners with expert storm damage assessment in the Omaha metro and across Nebraska. If you need a professional evaluation of hail, wind, or severe weather damage, contact us for a consultation.