Last Updated: April 25, 2025

Extreme Heat and Hailstorms: What's Happening and Why?

Introduction: A Disturbing Weather Trend

In recent years, the world has witnessed an alarming increase in extreme weather events, including blistering heatwaves and severe hailstorms. These weather anomalies seem paradoxical—how can heat, which is supposed to be hot, coexist with hail, which forms under cold conditions? Surprisingly, these phenomena can happen at the same time, and climate change is largely to blame for this strange combination of weather extremes.

In this article, we'll dive into what’s causing these unusual weather patterns and why we are seeing more extreme heat coupled with hailstorms across regions like Islamabad.

The Science Behind Extreme Heat and Hailstorms

What Causes Hailstorms?

Hailstorms occur when powerful thunderstorms generate updrafts strong enough to carry raindrops into very cold regions of the atmosphere. These cold temperatures cause the raindrops to freeze, forming hailstones. As the hailstones are lifted upward by the updrafts, they collect more layers of ice, growing larger before they eventually fall to the ground.

Typically, hailstorms are associated with cooler weather, especially during spring or summer, when thunderstorms are more frequent. However, in certain conditions, hail can occur even in hot weather, and this phenomenon is becoming more common due to shifts in the global climate.

How Can Heat and Hail Occur Together?

Extreme heat and hailstorms can co-occur when there's significant atmospheric instability. During a heatwave, the ground gets extremely warm, which creates powerful updrafts of warm, moist air. This air rises quickly, creating the conditions necessary for thunderstorm development. If the storm extends high enough into the atmosphere, it can reach regions where temperatures are cold enough for hail formation.

What’s happening is that the heat at the surface is not necessarily tied to the upper atmosphere's temperature. Therefore, hail can still form, despite the blistering temperatures at ground level. This combination of heat and hail is an indication of a highly volatile atmosphere.

The Role of Climate Change

Climate change is exacerbating both extreme heat and severe weather events like hailstorms. As global temperatures rise due to human activity—particularly carbon emissions—the atmosphere becomes more unstable. Hotter temperatures increase the amount of moisture the atmosphere can hold, making thunderstorms more intense and frequent.

The rising temperature also means that there are more opportunities for extreme weather events. According to a study from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), the frequency and intensity of heatwaves have increased dramatically in recent decades, and this trend is likely to continue. Furthermore, higher temperatures make it more likely that thunderstorms will develop severe characteristics, such as hailstorms.

More Heatwaves, More Hail?

Yes. The warming of the planet is creating conditions in which both heatwaves and hailstorms are more likely to occur simultaneously. The increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as hailstorms, heatwaves, and intense rainfall, is a clear indicator of how the changing climate is affecting weather patterns across the globe.

The combination of intense surface heating and the instability of the atmosphere creates an environment where hot temperatures and hailstorms can coexist.

What’s Happening in Islamabad and Other Regions?

In cities like Islamabad, the effects of climate change are becoming more pronounced. Pakistan, already one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, has seen record-breaking temperatures in recent years, with heatwaves regularly pushing temperatures above 45°C (113°F) in some regions. The combination of extreme heat and the possibility of hailstorms is an unfortunate consequence of a warming world.

In April 2024, for instance, Islamabad experienced a heatwave with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F). Despite the intense heat, hailstorms hit some parts of the country, a stark reminder of how unpredictable and severe weather can be when the atmosphere is destabilized by global warming.

How Are Heatwaves and Hailstorms Impacting Communities?

Public Health Risks

Extreme heat poses a direct threat to human health, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke and dehydration, are on the rise. On the other hand, hailstorms can cause property damage, injuries, and even fatalities, particularly when hailstones are large and fall with great force.

The combination of these two extremes creates a dangerous situation where communities are not only dealing with the effects of heat but also the potential damage and risk associated with hailstorms.

Economic Impact

The economic toll of extreme weather events is also growing. In agriculture, both heatwaves and hailstorms can destroy crops, leading to food shortages and price hikes. Infrastructure such as buildings and roads can be damaged by the combined force of extreme heat and hail, leading to costly repairs.

What Can Be Done?

As extreme weather events continue to increase, governments and communities must take action. Here are a few ways to mitigate the impact of these events:

• Adaptation Measures: Communities need to implement climate adaptation strategies, such as improving infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions, implementing early warning systems, and educating the public about the risks associated with heatwaves and hailstorms.
• Climate Action: Reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources are key to slowing the rate of global warming. If greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, extreme weather events will only become more frequent and intense.
• Preparedness: Governments must invest in building resilience against extreme weather by improving emergency response systems, bolstering healthcare infrastructure, and creating policies that address both short-term and long-term climate impacts.

Finally: The Growing Challenge of Extreme Weather

The world is experiencing a shift in weather patterns, where extreme heat and severe hailstorms are occurring more frequently and unpredictably. While these events may seem contradictory, they are a natural consequence of a warming world. Climate change is fueling the intensity and frequency of both heatwaves and severe weather, including hailstorms.

It’s clear that addressing this growing problem requires global cooperation and action. By reducing carbon emissions, preparing communities for extreme weather, and adapting to the changing climate, we can better manage the impacts of these dangerous events. But time is running out—urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change before they become even more catastrophic.