Marek Kučera 
On the evening of June 26, 2025, a powerful supercell thunderstorm produced giant hailstones measuring up to 12 centimeters in diameter near Pordenone, located in the northeastern region of Italy. This event highlights the severity of hailstorms that can occur in this part of Europe, known for its frequent and intense hail activity.
The Storm and Its Impact
The supercell, a highly organized and rotating thunderstorm, swept across the northern plains of Veneto, an area that has earned a reputation as Europe’s hotspot for giant hail. Residents and meteorologists reported unusually large hail, capable of causing significant damage to vehicles, crops, and property. Hailstones of this size are large enough to break windows, dent metal surfaces, and severely impact agricultural yields.
Why the Northern Plains of Veneto?
The northern plains of Veneto and surrounding areas in northeastern Italy are prone to strong convective storms during the late spring and summer months. The combination of moist, unstable air masses from the Mediterranean and favorable wind shear often leads to the development of supercell thunderstorms, which can produce large, damaging hail. This region regularly ranks among the highest in Europe for hailstorm frequency and hail size, making it a well-known “hail hotspot”.
Meteorological Significance
Giant hail of 12 cm diameter is considered severe and rare even in hail-prone regions. Such hailstones form within the intense updrafts of supercells, which keep hailstones suspended long enough for them to grow to massive sizes before falling to the ground. The Pordenone event exemplifies how powerful these storms can become and serves as a reminder of the risks posed by severe convective weather in Europe.
Conclusion
The June 26 supercell near Pordenone produced one of the larger hail events recorded in recent years in Europe, emphasizing the vulnerability of the northern plains of Veneto to giant hail. As climate patterns evolve, monitoring and preparedness for such severe weather events remain critical for minimizing damage and protecting communities in this region.
Source: Federico Pavan, Twitter / X
Large Hail in Italy Reports on ESWD from June26th to July 3rd 2025. Source: https://eswd.eu/cgi-bin/eswd.cgi
Marek Sadowski 
