Hail storms are more likely to occur in the spring and summer months, when temperatures and humidity soar, creating ideal conditions for thunderstorms and, therefore, hail.
Severe hail storms can occur across the country, but they are most common in what’s known as “hail alley,” which includes Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. Oklahoma, Illinois, and Kansas are also known as hail states.
There’s no guaranteed way to tell whether a thunderstorm will produce hail, but some indications are heavy rain, strong winds, changes in wind direction, and sudden drops in temperature. Radar can detect hail, so paying attention to weather forecasts and alerts during severe thunderstorms can provide you with some warning about possible hail.