Hail Events in Germany: Trends and Regional Differences

New analyses by KIT reveal regional differences in hail tracks and provide initial indications of long-term developments

Small white hailstones on grass, scattered across the ground. — Hailstones after a storm: Researchers at KIT analyze 20 years of radar data to identify spatial and temporal trends in hail events

Hail is a natural phenomenon with high damage potential. To better understand long-term developments, KIT researchers analyzed 20 years of radar data from the German Weather Service. The study offers initial insights into possible trends in potential hail tracks and shows how these evolve over time and space.

The analysis reveals significant regional differences. While no clear trend emerges across Germany as a whole, the number of potential hail tracks is increasing in southern Germany. In northern and central Germany, the trend shows a tendency to decline. “The spatial distribution confirms known patterns: a striking difference between north and south, as well as a high frequency of hail south of Stuttgart and in the Bavarian Prealps,” says Dr. Susanna Mohr from KIT‘s Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research Troposphere Research (IMKTRO). Most thunderstorms that are potentially associated with hail last less than 75 minutes, are shorter than 40 kilometers, and move from southwest to northeast.

In addition, hail events are unevenly distributed in time: Under certain atmospheric conditions – especially during blocking weather patterns – clustering of several hail days can form across Germany. Such episodes are rare, lasting no more than two weeks, but they are relevant for insurance companies because they cause concentrated damage. “Our 20-year analysis period is still relatively short for definitive conclusions, but initial estimates are possible,” says Mathis Tonn, also from IMKTRO. While the results should be interpreted with caution, they could provide early indications of changes in hail frequency.

swi, April 8, 2026