Hail storms in Spain have increased in frequency and severity, affecting cities such as Almería, Barcelona and Madrid. These extreme weather events have caused significant damage to infrastructure, vehicles and crops, as well as posing a risk to the population. To learn how to prepare for these situations, you can consult our guide on hail alerts and forecasts.
The impact of hail in the country is not a new phenomenon, but recent studies indicate that Climate change is intensifying these episodes. The influence of global warming and atmospheric conditions have contributed to the formation of supercells, responsible for extreme hailstorms. Spanish researchers have attributed the increase in the severity of meteorological phenomena such as giant hail to climate change, which reinforces the need to address this issue seriously, as detailed in the article on Giant hail and climate change.
Climate change and the increase in hail storms
Recent research has shown that the increase in the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea and atmospheric warming are directly related to the intensity of hailstorms in Spain. A study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters confirmed that certain recent events, such as the storm in La Bisbal d'Empordà in 2022, would not have reached such magnitude without the intervention of global warming.
These conditions favor the formation of supercells, storms that generate strong updrafts and allow the growth of larger hailstones. According to experts, if global warming continues to increase, hailstones up to 20 cm in diameter could occur in the future. For more information on the increase in hail precipitation, see the study on the increase in precipitation in the form of hail.
Extreme hail events in Spain
Throughout 2024, several localities have experienced episodes of extreme hail. Below are some of the most significant ones:
Agullent, Valencia – September 8
In this Valencian town, Ice stones up to 11 cm in diameter were recordedThe event was caused by a supercell that generated devastating hail and affected nearby municipalities such as Ontinyent and Albaida.
Sant Pere de Torelló, Barcelona – August 2
Severe storms also hit Catalonia, particularly in Sant Pere de Torelló, where The hail reached 8 cm in diameter, causing damage to hundreds of vehicles. This event was accompanied by other storms in Castellón and Teruel.
Saint Mary of the Eagle, Almeria – October 28
In the southeast of Spain, a combination of a DANA and warm waters of the Mediterranean This event led to an intense hail episode. In Santa María del Águila and El Ejido, the ice masses reached a height of up to 7 cm, affecting more than 11.000 hectares of greenhouses. This type of event highlights the importance of having effective meteorological warning systems, which can be found in our section on Warnings for heavy rain and storms.
Damage caused and prevention measures
Hail not only causes material damage, but also represents a risk to people's safetyIn 2022, a storm in Girona claimed the life of a 20-month-old baby, the first death from hail in Spain in two decades. This tragic event underlines the urgency of implementing effective prevention and response measures against these storms.
Economic losses resulting from these events include:
- Crop destruction: Especially in agricultural areas such as Almería, where greenhouses suffered millions of dollars in damage.
- Impact on infrastructure: Roofs and facades of buildings have been severely damaged.
- Damaged vehicles: Many vehicles suffered broken windows and dented bodies.
To minimize the risks, experts suggest Improve weather warning systems and establish more efficient emergency protocols, as well as working on raising awareness among the population. If you want to know more about how artificial clouds can be created and their impact on the climate, you can read more about this topic in the article on the creation of artificial clouds.
The trend indicates that extreme hail will become more frequent, so adapting to this new climatic reality is essential to mitigate its adverse effects on the country's population and economy.