To save this page: on a computer, press Ctrl+D (or Cmd+D on a Mac). On a phone, open your browser menu (⋮ or the Share button) and choose Add to Home screen or Bookmark.
Lethbridge Weather · Storms

Hail Size Compare

Southern Alberta sits in one of the most hail-prone parts of Canada. Pick a size to see it to scale, and what that size of hail can do.

What to do when hail is coming

  • Get inside, away from windows and skylights.
  • Park under cover if you can. A blanket or floor mats on the windshield help a little.
  • If you're driving, pull over somewhere safe, away from trees and power lines, and stay in the vehicle with your back to the windows.
  • Bring pets in, and cover gardens and patio furniture ahead of time.
  • Watch for Environment Canada severe thunderstorm warnings. In Alberta, one is issued when hail 2 cm or larger is expected.

Sizes are average diameters. Real hailstones are often lumpy, and damage also depends on wind, how long it falls, and what's underneath. Calgary's June 2020 storm, with stones up to tennis-ball size, was one of the costliest hailstorms in Canadian history.