Hail has become one of the most significant meteorological phenomena. of the season, causing concern in many countries due to the virulence of its episodes and the considerable economic and social impact of the storms associated with this type of precipitation. In recent days, both United States as Spain Instability has been recorded with the presence of large hail, causing numerous weather warnings and the mobilization of scientists, emergency teams and local authorities.
Damage caused by hail They not only affect traffic or agriculture, but also impact homes, vehicles and public infrastructure, which has prompted initiatives to better understand the behavior of this phenomenon and develop effective responses to protect the population and property.
Scientific projects and storm chasers: cutting-edge technology for forecasting
Various teams of American researchers have taken to the road, literally, to chase hail-producing storms. Equipped with hardened vehicles and sophisticated equipment such as weather balloons, pressure and temperature sensors, microphones, drones, and radars, these scientists seek to gather crucial information on the conditions that favor the appearance of hail. large hail.
Here you can learn more about hail measurement.
Its main objective is to be able to anticipate more precisely both the location as the magnitude of the episodes of hail, a challenge that has motivated significant international investment and collaboration. In one of the most ambitious projects, a team of 60 experts is traveling across the U.S. Great Plains, facing gusty winds, torrential rainfall, and the inherent risk of tornadoes, to capture data on the intensity, size, and internal structure of hail using innovative tools and field experiments.
The safety of the teams studying these phenomena is not taken lightly.During expeditions, scientists employ coordinated practices and specially armored vehicles, holding daily planning meetings in which they analyze risk maps and distribute tasks based on the expected danger in different storm zones.
Economic impacts and advances in resistant materials
The figures that are handled around the annual cost of hail damage In the United States, they are well over $10.000 billion, which has attracted the attention of insurance companies, technology companies, and construction companies. Some of these entities have funded scientific studies, particularly interested in improve the materials of roofs and other exposed surfaces so that they can better withstand the action of large ice balls.
.
Simulations are being conducted in laboratories to test the resistance of different materials under the impact of real hailstones collected and measured during storms, some with diameters exceeding 14 centimeters. These tests aim to reduce both material damage and costs for insurance systems, and ultimately ensure greater safety for people.
Hail forecasts and recent weather warnings
As for latest forecasts and warnings issuedIn the US, areas from the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic have been monitored, including the Chicago area, New York City, and regions such as Minnesota, Nebraska, and Kansas. Authorities have warned of the arrival of severe storms with Possibility of large hail, destructive winds and isolated tornadoes. Experts highlight the presence of warm, humid air masses, cold fronts, and complex convective systems which facilitate the formation of clouds that generate especially dangerous hail.
Here you have information about hail alerts and forecasts..
In Spain, the most recently affected areas have been the interior of the Valencian Community, the Region of Murcia and the province of Albacete, where the AEMET has activated warnings for storms with a risk of large hail. and extremely heavy rainfall, which could exceed 40 liters per square meter in one hour. The greatest danger is concentrated in mountainous areas and regions south of Valencia and north of Alicante, where storms develop rapidly and could reach the coast during the afternoon.
The unpredictable behavior of hail, combined with sudden changes in temperature and the influence of air masses from Africa, is complicating traditional modeling of these phenomena, forcing meteorological services to update and improve their prediction and warning systems so that the population can take precautions with sufficient advance notice.
The importance of studying and monitoring hail is more evident today than ever.The efforts of the scientific community, the development of more resistant materials, and improved communication of alerts to the public are key to both reducing risk and improving the resilience of cities and rural areas in the face of the growing threat of severe storms with hail.
