CRA ARTS

Hailstones are one of nature’s most fascinating and sometimes destructive weather phenomena. These frozen spheres of ice can range in size from tiny pellets to massive chunks that cause significant damage to property, agriculture, and even human lives. But how do hailstones form, and what makes them so powerful? Let’s dive into the science and impact of hail. How Hailstones Form Hailstones originate within strong thunderstorms that contain intense updrafts, supercooled water droplets, and varying air temperatures. The formation process occurs in several stages: Supercooled Water Droplets: Within a thunderstorm, water droplets are carried high into the atmosphere where temperatures are below freezing. Ice Nuclei Formation: The supercooled droplets attach to tiny particles like dust or dirt, forming a small ice pellet. Updraft Circulation: Powerful updrafts carry the pellet upward, where more supercooled droplets freeze onto it, causing it to grow. Layered Growth: As the hailstone mo...