Is golf ball-sized hail expected to increase due to climate change?

YES. Climate researchers predict storms that produce golf ball-size or larger hail will become more frequent, thanks to climate change.

According to a 2024 study by Northern Illinois University, a warmer climate increases water vapor in the air, which provides energy for thunderstorms like those seen April 14, 2026, in Wisconsin that produced large hail.

AllSides highlights content from Gigafact, a network of newsrooms that respond to online claims. View the full fact brief on Wisconsin Watch.