Hail Yeah! NASA Researchers Use Volunteer Observations for Hail Estimates

The larger the hail, the more damage it can cause. But scientists note that it can be difficult to predict the size of hailstones. How quickly does hail melt when it falls?

Now you can help solve this question by joining the Southeast Region CoCoRaHS Hail (SEaRCH) project. This network of backyard weather observers includes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who work together to measure and report hail in their local communities. SEaRCH is also part of NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), and the National Science Foundation. supported the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network, whose amateur weather detectives report rain and snow. These observations of rain and snow help scientists better understand local variations in precipitation. CoCoRaHS data is regularly used by the National Weather Service, Hydrologic Prediction Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Drought Mitigation Center, broadcast meteorologists, scientific researchers, and others.

“I love the project and I love being able to provide meaningful data,” says CoCoRaHS volunteer Jeremy Kichler.

On June 14, 2023, Kichler witnessed a storm with hailstones ranging from 0.5 inches (12 mm) to two inches (51 mm) in diameter. Hailstones dented cars, damaged roof shingles and shredded leaves throughout his neighborhood. After the storm, he submitted a CoCoRaHS hail report to notify the National Weather Service with photos and additional details about the hail.

NASA scientists now use hail reports written by volunteers like Kichler, along with archived data from satellite overpasses and new hail melt profiles to model how hailstones of different sizes melt when they fall below the freezing level.

To join volunteers like Jeremy Kichler and create your own hail reports, all you need is your smartphone and the free CoCoRaHS mobile app. To make rain and snow reports, you will need a specific hand gauge approved by the National Weather Service.
Find everything you need to get started in the CoCoRaHS and SEaARCH summary on the NASA Citizen Science website.) and the National Science Foundation.

See the public map: https://maps.cocorahs.org/

Check out the hail report for this highlight: https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/ViewHailReport.aspx?HailReportID=55b8d0d2-bd76-4164-801e-d9885d214a7e