Nestled on the border of what’s known as “Hail Alley,” you might be skeptical about visiting or moving to Fort Worth, Texas. Hail storms pose dangerous threats, and if you are not willing to face the chances of damage, you may choose to keep your distance. How often does it hail in Fort Worth?
It can hail as many as 35 times per year in Fort Worth. While most of these hail storms will not be severe enough to gain attention, Fort Worth has suffered billions of dollars of hail damage in the past. Any area in Fort Worth should expect 1-3 notable hail storms annually.
Below, we’ll discuss all there is to know about hail in Fort Worth and supplemental information regarding the hail season. Keep reading to learn what to expect and how to react!
How Often Does it Hail in Fort Worth?
Hail is not especially common anywhere in the United States, but some areas receive much more than others.
North Texas, including Fort Worth, is a part of Hail Alley, an area where hail hits the U.S. most often and most aggressively.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area can see over 35 hail reports per year, with 1-5 storms being severe in stature. For example, a radius of just 10 miles in Fort Worth has received five notable hail reports in 3 years. If you move to Fort Worth, you should expect more hail than usual.
Keep in mind that these statistics only account for hail reports involving visible hail on the ground.
Fort Worth and the surrounding areas might receive hundreds of mild hail storms in a year.
As you will learn below, there is a reason Fort Worth is so prone to hail storms.
Hail storms in Fort Worth have caused hundreds of millions, to even billions, of dollars in damage over the years.
When Does It Hail the Most in Fort Worth?
It is estimated that Fort Worth and the surrounding area have experienced between 400-600 hail storms in the last decade.
Dallas-Fort Worth and the surrounding areas, particularly those north of the city, receive more hail than any other location in Texas.
Hail season in Texas typically spans from March to May, but this is not to suggest that hail is uncommon in other months. As the cold season comes to an end, a rise in temperatures can cause severe hail storm outbreaks.
Why Does it Hail So Much in Fort Worth?
It may be surprising to learn that hail is common in Fort Worth.
There are two main reasons why it hails so often in Fort Worth. These include:
- Humidity
- Precipitation levels
Fort Worth ranks in the top 10 most humid locations in Texas.
Additionally, Fort Worth receives an average of 37 inches of rain each year, with about 79 days of precipitation annually.
With the circulation of humid air in the atmosphere paired with a relatively high chance of rain, a wave of cold and hot air mixed with moisture is a sure sign of an impending hail storm.
Is Severe Weather Common in Fort Worth?
In terms of hail, Fort Worth sees significantly more storms than most areas outside of Hail Alley.
Many severe hail storms in Texas occur even further north than Fort Worth.
But, since Fort Worth is on the outskirts of areas that receive the most hail, it is not an ideal location weather-wise.
Though dangerous, hail storms pale in comparison to the threat and regularity of thunderstorms and tornadoes in Fort Worth.
As mentioned, humidity is a big contributing factor of severe weather in Fort Worth. It may lead to:
- Rain
- Tornadoes
- Hail storms
Due to severe weather, Fort Worth has faced billions of dollars in damage in past years.
For this reason, severe weather is a huge concern for people who live in Fort Worth.
What to Expect While in Fort Worth
Worrying about hail damage is one problem, but when paired with the measures required to prepare for hail storms, you may find yourself in trouble.
If you are taking a short trip to Fort Worth, just be sure to look at the weather forecast to gauge whether you should make efforts to protect your car while it’s outside.
Moving to Fort Worth is another story.
Though there are several benefits to living in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, a higher chance of severe weather, such as hail storms, results in higher interest rates.
In addition to the physical trouble moving to a hail storm-prone area can cause, the financial aspect can be just as costly.
Final Thoughts
It hails more often in Fort Worth than in most areas outside of Hail Alley.
Hail storms are a threat to a place like Fort Worth because of the increased humidity and high precipitation chances.
If you are visiting Fort Worth, chances are you do not have to worry too much about a hail storm affecting your trip.
However, moving to Fort Worth will require a bit of extra preparation.
