7 cm Hail in Moscow Region During Intense Supercell Outbreak: One of the Largest ever Confirmed Hailstones in the Moscow Region in Recent History

On 8 July 2025, the Moscow Oblast experienced a remarkable outbreak of large hail, with stones reaching up to 7 cm in diameter, as a line of intense supercells tracked through the region during the late afternoon. The most significant report came from Kotovo, where a verified eyewitness image confirmed giant hailstones measuring 7 cm, capable of causing serious structural damage

Starting around 15:50 UTC, hailstones larger than 5 cm were reported in several localities including Lytkino (5 cm), Alabushevo (5 cm, with confirmed roof damage), Chashnikovo (6 cm), Istra (6.5 cm), and Khorugvino (5.5 cm). All events were confirmed through photographic evidence, eyewitness reports, and online sources, with high reliability (QC1) assigned by the European Severe Storms Laboratory (ESSL)

The storms produced a barrage of large hail along a WSW–ENE axis north and west of central Moscow, with local residents sharing dramatic images and videos via VK and local weather media outlets. The hail swath impacted densely populated suburbs and residential areas, damaging roofs, vehicles, and infrastructure, while temporarily disrupting traffic and daily activity

This event highlights the growing threat of severe hailstorms in northern latitudes, with climate variability potentially playing a role in increased storm intensity and frequency. The 7 cm hailstone observed in Kotovo stands as one of the largest ever confirmed hailstones in the Moscow region in recent history