Hail is a meteorological phenomenon that often leaves us perplexed. We happen to see it falling from the sky on hot days, leaving us wondering how this is possible. Let’s see together how and why hail forms.
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There hail it forms inside cumulonimbus clouds, which are those large clouds that often bring thunderstorms. Inside these clouds, there are strong ascending air currents that carry the water droplets upwards, up to regions of the atmosphere where the temperature is very low, well below zero.
In these conditions, water drops freeze and turn into ice grains. The grains can then continue to be carried up and down by air currents, growing in size each time they pick up more water that freezes on them.
THE beans they fall to the ground when they become too heavy to be supported by air currents. It is for this reason that hail can be of very different sizesfrom small grains similar to a grain of rice, up to large pieces of ice the size of a golf ball or even a tennis ball.
Why is it more common in summer?
It might seem strange, but it is more common during hot seasons, especially in summer. This happens because higher temperatures favor the formation of thunderstormswhich in turn produce the cumulonimbus clouds necessary for the formation of hail.
The updrafts are stronger on hot days, allowing water drops to more easily reach the high altitudes where they freeze.
Effects
Hail can cause significant damage to crops, cars, homes and other structures. It’s important pay attention to weather warnings and take precautions when hail is expected.
How to protect yourself from hail?
- Park your car in a garage or under a cover if a storm is forecast.
- Protect delicate plants with appropriate covers.
- Stay safe inside during a thunderstorm to avoid being hit.
Have you ever witnessed a particularly strong hailstorm? How did you protect yourself? Tell us in the comments!
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