Nogales, AZ Hail Storm – July 2026

Nogales, AZ experienced a late-afternoon severe hail event on July 11, 2026, producing a concentrated radar-detected hail track through the metro and a peak stone of 3.55 inches.

What Happened

The storm developed in the late afternoon and moved through the Nogales metro in multiple pulses. NWS alerts and radar detections were issued over a three-hour span. Key alerts and detections:

• 2:30 PM MST — dual-polarization radar detected hail at approximately 1.00 inch.
• 3:32 PM MST — dual-polarization radar detected hail at approximately 1.07 inches.
• 4:10 PM MST — NWS warning issued with no radar hail detection recorded for that polygon.
• 5:02 PM MST — dual-polarization radar detected hail at approximately 1.03 inches.
• 5:27 PM MST — NWS warning issued with no radar hail detection recorded for that polygon.
• 5:28 PM MST — dual-polarization radar detected larger hail, with the largest radar-derived return corresponding to the peak reported size.

Radar detections were concentrated along a narrow track through the metro. Some warning polygons were NWS warning only, with no concurrent radar hail detection. The event concluded in the early evening.

Damage Assessment

The storm produced a range of hail sizes along the mapped track, including multiple near-inch detections and a much larger radar return. Stones of the sizes detected during this event are capable of producing roof shingle loss, denting and perforation of metal roofing and siding, broken skylights and windows, and moderate to severe vehicle damage where exposure was direct. Solar arrays and exposed HVAC equipment located along the radar-detected hail track are at elevated risk for panel punctures and bent fins.

Damage is most likely where dual-polarization radar returns were strongest and where NWS warnings overlapped the metro. Claims and field inspections should prioritize contiguous properties along that radar-detected track. Photographic documentation should show roof planes, roof penetrations, and vehicle panels with scale reference.

What Contractors Should Know

Conduct safe, triaged inspections beginning with structures and vehicles along the radar-detected hail track. Use full PPE when working on roofs and secure temporary coverings where shingles or tiles are missing. Record GPS coordinates for each documented defect and capture a minimum of three photos per damaged element: wide view, mid-range with context, and close-up with scale. Note the local alert times and radar detections in your report to link observed damage to the event timeline.

Plan resource allocation for clustered damage. Expect concentrated repair needs in contiguous neighborhoods along the mapped track rather than evenly distributed impacts across the metro. Prioritize tarping, board-up, and temporary HVAC protection to prevent secondary water damage. Coordinate with insurance adjusters and supply documented timelines and imagery to expedite scopes of work.