Contrasting trends in very large hail events and related economic losses across the globe

Abstract Hailstorms producing hail larger than 5 cm cause the most severe damage to property and infrastructure, often leading to multibillion-dollar losses. Here we develop a global climatology of these very large hail events from 1950 to 2023 by combining statistical modelling with atmospheric reanalysis and examine trends in their frequency and related economic impacts. Northern Argentina emerges as the global hotspot of very large hail events, followed by Uruguay, Paraguay, southern Brazil, the US Great Plains and South Africa. Asia—and to a lesser extent, Europe and Australia—show substantially lower frequencies. Europe is seeing the sharpest rise in the frequency of very large hail events, driven by increasing low-level moisture and atmospheric instability. By contrast, the Southern Hemisphere—especially South America—is experiencing notable declines, linked to reduced mid-level humidity and instability. Hail-related losses have increased in the USA, Australia and Europe. In Europe, the rise is mainly due to more frequent very large hail events, whereas in the USA and Australia, increasing exposure and vulnerability are the primary drivers. These contrasting regional trends in hail frequency and related losses underscore the need for tailored risk management strategies that account for both climatic drivers and socio-economic vulnerabilities.