The Hidden Threat to Your Business: Rising Hail Risk Across the U.S.

Hailstorms are one of the most costly and underestimated severe weather threats in the U.S. Capable of denting vehicles, shattering windows, and damaging roofs, even a single storm can result in millions of dollars in losses. See damage chart below. In recent years, billion-dollar hail events have become increasingly common - and the numbers keep climbing.

Why Hail Deserves Attention

Unlike other severe weather hazards, hail can produce high-frequency, high-cost losses in concentrated areas. Urban regions are especially vulnerable, where dense populations and exposed assets (vehicles, roofs, infrastructure) amplify the financial impact.

Even in years with fewer overall storms, hail remains a consistent driver of insured losses.

Where Hail Risk Is Highest

Hail risk is not evenly distributed. The highest frequency typically occurs across the Southern Plains where conditions are most favorable for severe storm development. The map below shows Monarch’s hail rankings by city, based on the number of hail reports >1” and population density (figure 1). 

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Recent Activity Signals Elevated Risk

March 2026 has already unleashed damaging hailstorms - and the season is just getting started! 

• The U.S. experienced 3 major severe weather outbreaks in just 12 days (March 5–16)
• In addition to tornadoes and damaging wind, the storms produced widespread large hail across multiple states, contributing heavily to losses expected in the low-to-mid single-digit billions.‍
• An estimated 376,999 properties were impacted by hail 1" or larger in Illinois alone during the March 10 event.‍
• Destructive hail (ranging from 2.75" to 4.8") fell across the Chicago Western Suburbs damaging property and hundreds of vehicles.
• A 6.1" hailstone was recorded in Kankakee, Illinois - potentially a state record, far exceeding the previous mark of 4.75".
• Hail caused a larger share of insurance claims than tornadoes in these March storms, with comparatively larger swaths of the event dominated by hail damage (source: Insurance Business Magazine).

These trends reinforce that the environment is already primed for active severe weather - including large damaging hail.

Seasonal Outlook: What to Expect

• Remainder of March–Early April: Above-normal severe weather activity is expected across the Midwest, Mississippi Valley, and Southeast
• Late April–May: A quieter period overall, though the Southern Plains remain active
• June: Storm activity increases again, shifting toward the Western High Plains

While some seasonal indicators suggest overall tornado activity may trend near or slightly below average, that does not reduce the risk of impactful hail events. Just one storm can cause widespread damage.

Stay Ahead of the Storm with Monarch

Proactive monitoring and early alerts are critical to reducing exposure and protecting assets.

Monarch Weather provides hyper-local hail forecasts, advisory support and 24/7 alerting, helping clients stay ahead of rapidly developing storms.

Preparation starts before the storm hits!

About Monarch Weather & Climate Intelligence

‍Visit our homepage www.monarchweather.com or message us directly Team@MonarchWeather.com.

Monarch challenges leaders to discover a new way to forecast their business. Keep Monarch on your Radar.

We are a woman-owned business with a team of Certified Consulting Meteorologists (CCM) and GIS Analysts, providing meteorological and climate services via custom forecasting, modeling and advisory within the insurance, tech, energy, real estate, transportation and agricultural sectors.