Storm Team 8 Explainer: How does hail form? [Video]

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Monday afternoon turned stormy and noisy! Downpours popped up across Connecticut, producing more than just heavy rain.

Hail was reported in several towns: from Simsbury to New Britain, from Meriden to Wallingford, from North Branford to Guilford. The worst of the hail seemed to be in Meriden, Wallingford and North Branford.

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The hailstones ranged from the size of a pea to the size of a ping pong ball—and it wasn’t just a few hailstones—you could practically shovel the hail that collected on decks and patios!​

So, what the hail happened? How did we get so much hail, and why was there such a size range?

Let’s start with HOW hail forms.

Inside thunderstorms, we have updrafts and downdrafts.

As a water droplet gets swept up by the updraft, it freezes because the air is much colder aloft.

As that frozen droplet goes up …