Hail is a form of precipitation consisting of ice pellets or balls that fall from thunderstorms. While Florida is widely recognized for its abundant sunshine and warm climate, it is also a state where hail can occur.
When and Where Hail Occurs in Florida
Hail events in Florida are generally less frequent compared to states in regions like Tornado Alley, but they are not uncommon. In 2023, for instance, Florida recorded 23 reports of on-the-ground hail by trained spotters. These events are most common during the state’s thunderstorm season, which typically runs from March to September, with peak activity often observed in May and June. Hail often accompanies severe thunderstorms, especially during transitional weather periods when cooler air is present higher in the atmosphere.
Geographically, hail activity tends to be more concentrated in central and inland areas of Florida. Cities like Orlando and Tampa, particularly along the I-4 corridor, experience heightened hail activity. While central Florida is a hotbed, storm systems crossing the Panhandle can also bring conditions conducive to hail in Northern Florida. Even South Florida has experienced significant hailstorms. These storms frequently develop when warm ocean breezes collide with cooler air masses, setting the stage for hail formation.
Typical Size of Hail in Florida
Hailstones in Florida typically range from pea-sized to dime-sized. Quarter-sized hail also occurs. While less common, larger hailstones, including golf ball-sized, have been reported. On rare occasions, grapefruit-sized hail has been documented, with the largest recorded hailstone in Florida measuring 4.5 inches.
The hail that forms often remains smaller compared to other regions of the United States. This is largely because the freezing level in Florida’s atmosphere is typically quite high. As hailstones fall through the warmer lower atmosphere, they can melt before reaching the ground, which contributes to the prevalence of smaller hail.
Why Hail Forms in Florida
Hail forms within strong thunderstorms when powerful updrafts carry raindrops high into regions of the atmosphere where temperatures are below freezing. These elevated water droplets then freeze into ice pellets. As these newly formed hailstones circulate within the storm, they collide with supercooled water droplets that remain liquid even below freezing temperatures. These collisions cause the hailstones to grow in size by accumulating additional layers of ice.
Florida’s climate, characterized by warm, moist air and frequent convective thunderstorm activity, provides the necessary ingredients for hail formation. The state has more thunderstorms annually than any other U.S. state, fostering the strong updrafts needed to lift water droplets high enough to freeze. The intensity of these updrafts directly influences the size of the hailstones that can form; stronger updrafts can support larger hailstones before gravity pulls them to the ground.