Hail

Hail is ice that forms in cumulonimbus clouds of thunderstorms. These large, towering clouds are also known as thunderheads. Unlikely snow and icy precipitation, hail is exclusively a warm weather phenomenon. If we feel hail, a storm cloud is overhead and the atmosphere is very unstable. 

Hail forms when water droplets are lifted into the cold parts of a cloud until they freeze. Tiny ice pellets then fall but are forced back upwards by strong updrafts. These upward warm, moist air currents act as a storm’s engine. And they keep the ice pellets from falling. The pellets collide with supercooled water droplets that freeze onto the pellets. These become hailstones as they grow during up-and-down trips within the center of the storm. This cycle repeats until the updraft weakens or the hailstone is heavy enough that gravity overcomes the updraft forces. Then hail falls down to the ground.

The strength of the updraft drives the size of the hailstones. Most hailstones are the size of a pea. Powerful thunderstorm with strong updrafts can create 1-inch (50mm) hailstones. Tornadoes do not typically create hail, but severe thunderstorms can produce both tornadoes and hail. When hailstones reach the huge size of 2-inches, this indicates a tornado is possible.

Injuries from hail average over 20 people per year in the USA. Most are minor, but large hailstones can cause significant damage to cars, crops, roofs and windows. The worst storms can produce enormous hailstones at over 4-inches, perhaps seen only twice per year in the US Great Plains. Devastatingly powerful storms may create record-breaking lethal hailstones of 8-inch that weigh 2 pounds (1 kg). Anytime hail is expected, the best plan is to seek cover indoors. Hailstorms never last long though, there are no blankets of hail. So, if you are sheltering safely and wondering whether to make a dash through hail or wait a few minutes until the hail stops, it is wise to wait it out.

Product Size: 6" x 5" x 3.5"

Thunderheads are sewn and crafted using recycled fibers that meet Global Recycling Standards. There are no plastic parts, only high-quality soft fabrics and embroidered eyes and details. The attached educational cards are printed from recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. 

Thunderheads meet and surpass all US safety standards. Regular size Thunderheads are appropriate and safe for all ages. Key chain size Thunderheads are only for age 3 and up. 

Hand wash only using a damp cloth and warm water.  Air dry.  We do not recommend cleaning in a washing machine or drying in a drier.  Check all labels upon arrival of purchase. 

From this website, we deliver within the United States.  We ship orders within 1–2 business days once they are received. Please see the link at page bottom for international orders. We're confident that you'll love your Thunderheads purchase, but if you need to make a return for any reason, we accept returns within 14 days of your purchase date. Please note, we only accept items in their original condition with the tags still attached. See the page bottom for further details.