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Experts Warn of Damaging Hail Events Ahead in Europe
28 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Climate change impacts on severe thunderstorms more complex than thought
- Possibility of less frequent but more damaging hail events in Europe
- Tropical-type hailstorms with very large hailstones may impact the UK
According to a recent study, the effects of climate change on severe thunderstorms are more complex than previously thought. The study's lead author, Dr. Abdullah Kahraman, states that society may need to prepare for less frequent, yet more damaging hail events locally in a 5-degree warmer future.
Professor Lizzie Kendon, head of climate projections at the UK Met Office and professor of climate science at the University of Bristol, echoes these concerns. She says the results are "very concerning" and imply the need to prepare for "tropical-type hailstorms impacting Europe in the future, associated with very large hailstones that can cause severe impacts." This possibility also extends to the UK, although the risk of hail there remains low into the future.
The study's findings suggest a shift in the climate's impact on severe thunderstorms, with the potential for more localized, yet more destructive hail events across Europe in the years ahead.
