A hailstone measuring 7.1 inches in diameter was discovered in Swisher County, Texas, setting a new state record.
The previous record was 6.46 inches, set in Hondo, Texas, in 2021.
Storm chaser Val Castor discovered the hailstone while pursuing a tornadic supercell thunderstorm.
Experts used photogrammetry and AI-based analysis to confirm the hailstone's size.
Hailstones of this size can cause significant damage to property and crops.
Another storm dropped 5-inch hail near Camp Wood, Texas, demonstrating the severity of recent weather events.
Why this matters: Understanding the conditions that produce such large hailstones can help residents prepare for and mitigate potential damage during severe weather events.
On June 2, 2024, storm chaser Val Castor stumbled upon an enormous hailstone in a roadside ditch near Vigo Park in Swisher County, Texas. Initially mistaking it for a gallon jug of milk, Castor quickly realized he had found something extraordinary. Lacking measuring tools, he photographed the hailstone next to a Monster Energy drink can for scale.
Experts at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) analyzed the photographs using photogrammetry and AI. Their analysis confirmed the hailstone's diameter at 7.1 inches, surpassing the previous record. The State Climate Extremes Committee unanimously accepted the finding, solidifying the Vigo Park hailstone as the new Texas state record.
Meanwhile, another supercell thunderstorm on Wednesday evening, April 30, 2026, dropped hail up to 5 inches in diameter near Camp Wood, Texas. Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci documented the event, highlighting the ongoing risk of severe weather in the region.
The formation of such large hailstones requires strong updrafts within thunderstorms, capable of suspending water droplets high into freezing temperatures. These conditions allow layers of ice to accumulate, forming massive hailstones that eventually fall to the ground.
Q: How big was the record-breaking hailstone?
The hailstone measured 7.1 inches in diameter.
Q: Where was the hailstone found?
It was discovered near Vigo Park in Swisher County, Texas.
Q: What caused the hail to get so big?
Strong updrafts within the thunderstorm carried water droplets high into the cloud, where they froze and accumulated layers of ice.
Texas experienced a record-breaking hailstone event, highlighting the potential for extreme weather.
Large hailstones can cause significant damage to homes, vehicles, and crops.
Staying informed about weather forecasts and taking necessary precautions can help mitigate risks during severe storms.
Do you think these extreme weather events will become more frequent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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