Hail is atmospheric precipitation with special properties. The term hailstones should be understood as irregularly shaped ice lumps whose diameter exceeds 5 mm. It most often forms in the summer months, in convective conditions.

When defining the concept of hail, it is worth paying special attention to the minimum diameter of ice precipitation.It happens quite often that hail is confused with other weather phenomena, especially in transitional seasons. In the temperate climate zone, ice or snowfall may occur. However, in this case the grain diameter never exceeds 5 mm.

It should be clearly emphasized that hail is one of the most extreme weather phenomena. In just a few moments, a hailstorm can destroy agricultural crops, forest stands, residential buildings and motor vehicles.Moreover, intense large-diameter hailstorms may pose a real threat to the health and lives of people and animals.

Ice lumps with a diameter exceeding 2 cm should be considered dangerous.This size of hail allows the phenomenon to be classified as a dangerous or extreme hail storm. The greatest threat is posed by hailstones whose diameter exceeds 5 cm. Such precipitation may cause tissue trauma or even permanent health damage. However, you should know that ice blocks can reach a much larger size.

Due to the conditions that must exist for the hail formation mechanism to occur, hail events usually occur during the warm months and accompany thunderstorms or heavy rainfall. High temperature initiates the phenomenon of evaporation of water from the ground. Water vapor enters subsequent layers of the atmosphere and changes its state, initially to liquid, then to solid.

Historical data proves that hail falls most often between May and October.

While meteorological factors are of key importance in the hail formation process, it should be emphasized that the physical and geographical characteristics of the area are also important. These phenomena are favored by irregular relief. This is due to significant differences in its coverage and exposure as well as substrate moisture. These factors cause the energy exchange process between the ground and the atmosphere in the boundary layer to be uneven. In addition, strongly developed valley and mountain winds may lead to the occurrence of convergence zones in which moist and deep convection occurs.

Other non-meteorological factors include:
– close proximity to large water reservoirs,
– non-uniform ground cover.

The best way to protect your vehicle from damage is to park it in a garage or under a carport. However, if the car is parked outdoors, it is worth looking for an underground or covered parking lot, e.g. next to a shopping mall.

What if there is no such facility in the area?Then we have to take actions to minimize the effects of the occurring phenomena. Special anti-hail covers turn out to be quite good protection for the body and windows (the thicker, the better). If you don’t have such an accessory, you can use a thick blanket, quilt or curtain to protect the car.

First, focus on the roof.This is the most difficult and expensive element to repair. If we have enough material, we also secure the hood, windscreen and rear window. Remember, you should consider your own safety first. If the hailstorm is large and accompanied by lightning, do not leave your home.