What is the typical size range of hail?

Hail generally forms within strong thunderstorms and can vary significantly in size depending on the strength of the updrafts within those storms. The correct choice notes that hail can range from 5 mm to more than 15 cm in diameter.

This range encompasses the common sizes of hailstones that can develop in severe weather conditions. Smaller hail typically occurs with weaker storms, but when conditions are right—specifically, when powerful updrafts can support larger ice particles in the cloud, allowing them to grow by collecting additional water and refreezing—hailstones can grow quite large. In fact, it is not unusual for severe thunderstorms to produce hailstones over 10 cm in diameter, which can cause significant damage to property, vehicles, and crops.

The other options provide ranges that are too small or do not accurately reflect the potential size of hailstones found in severe weather events.