Expert explains 'giant' hail phenomenon amid recent freak weather events
The Sunshine State has been lashed by severe thunder and hailstorms in the last week, including 16cm chunks of ice that broke Australian records and wreaked havoc on the Mackay region.
Last week, a teenager was struck by lightning in the Gold Coast and last night, a suspected tornado and more hail touched down near Bundaberg, adding to the slew of freak weather events.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) confirmed the period of wild weather isn't over, warning residents to prepare for more bouts of "giant" hail.
READ MORE: Rent prices skyrocket at fastest rate in 13 years
Record-breaking hail has lashed parts of central Queensland, with gigantic hailstones measuring in at 16 centimetres confirmed to be the largest to ever be recorded in the country. Instagram / Samantha Caporn
A leading hail researcher from the Bureau of Meteorology, Dr Joshua Soderholm, has explained the unusual phenomenon.
"This is a time of the year when surface temperatures are warm enough to promote the development of intense thunderstorms, but you also need the accompanying ingredients of strong winds and cool air in the upper atmosphere to support hail growth," Dr Soderholm said.
He added that severe hailstorms, like the ones experienced in parts of Queensland and New South Wales, are most common in spring and early summer, requiring very specific conditions.
READ MORE: International travel opens up for fully vaccinated Australians
Carparks were flooded with many people left stranded after wild weather hit Coffs Harbour last week. 9News
The BoM confirmed the giant hail measuring 16cm in Yalboroo, near Mackay, last week had eclipsed previous Australian records of 14cm.
Recent storms in Coffs Harbour, in NSW, also produced small drops of hail, which accumulated like snow on the ground.
"Hail starts as water vapour near the ground. This condenses into tiny water droplets, cooling as it rises inside a thunderstorm updraft, collecting really cold water that's below freezing," Dr Soderholm said.
"This freezing water is called supercooled water and the longer the droplets – and eventually ice - fly through the supercooled water within the hailstorm updraft, the bigger it grows.
"So, whenever you see giant or large amounts of hail on the ground, a lot has had to happen for it to get there.
"It is also why there is not hail in every storm."
The BoM has warned that more severe thunderstorms are predicted for parts of the country this week.
The severe weather season is predicted to last until April 2022.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
