A strong updraft in a thunderstorm can convert warm moist air into hail. The falling hail can result in significant damage when it reaches the ground.
Diameter of Hail in Inches (cm)
Speed of Updraft in miles per hour (mpf)
0.75 (1.9)
40
1.00 (2.5)
49
1.75 (4.4)
64
2.75 (7.0)
81
4.00 (10.2)
98
4.50 (11.4)
103
speed of updraft in mph =
= (-2.133 * ((diameter in inches)^2)) + (27.56 * (diameter in inches)) + 21.97 =
= (-0.3262 * ((diameter in cm)^2)) + (10.79 * (diameter in cm)) + 22.11
volume of spherical hail pellet in mL =
= 4/3 * PI() * ((radius in cm)^3)
weight of a hail pellet in grams =
= (volume in mL)
weight of a hail pellet in kilograms =
= (volume in mL) /1000
From the estimated velocity at impact the energy can be estimated.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
