A hailstorm is a convective meteorological phenomenon characterized by the precipitation of solid ice particles (hailstones) formed within strong cumulonimbus clouds. Hailstones develop when supercooled water droplets accrete on ice nuclei within updraft regions, undergoing repeated cycles of ascent and descent that generate concentric layering and growth. Hailstorms are typically associated with intense updraft velocities, strong vertical wind shear, and atmospheric instability, often occurring in severe thunderstorms and supercells. They play a significant role in atmospheric energetics, microphysical processes, and cloud electrification, and are a major focus of research due to their capacity to cause substantial agricultural, infrastructural, and aviation damage.
Stormy weather has threatened to delay the launch of Europe's Hera spacecraft, which is scheduled to blast off on Monday, SpaceX has said.
Space Exploration
Oct 7, 2024
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