Tucson, AZ Hail Storm – July 2026

Tucson, AZ experienced hail on July 17, 2026. Peak radar-detected hail reached 0.93 inches during a short-lived severe thunderstorm late afternoon.

What Happened

A storm cell moved through the Tucson metro area on the afternoon of July 17. The National Weather Service issued a hail warning at 3:05 PM MST (22:05 UTC) for hail; the alert was NWS warning only. Radar showed hail signatures associated with a compact convective core that developed over the western suburbs and progressed eastward into central Tucson. The event was brief and concluded in the early evening.

Storm motion was generally easterly at low to moderate forward speed. Dual-polarization radar indicated strong reflectivity and ice scattering consistent with hail within the warning area. No spotter-verified tornado or widespread wind damage reports accompanied the warning in available alert text.

Damage Assessment

Hail stones in the pea- to nickel-size range can scuff automotive paint and abrade exposed fiberglass and vinyl. Soft-metal surfaces such as aluminum trim and some RV siding are at elevated risk for dents and punctures when impacted by hard ice at typical thunderstorm fall speeds in this region.

Roofs with aged or loose asphalt shingles may show increased granule loss and accelerated wear from impacts of this severity. Skylights and single-pane glass are the building elements most vulnerable to localized breakage. There were no spotter-verified structural collapse reports filed with the NWS warning.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect vehicle fleets and parked cars in the affected Tucson neighborhoods first. Look for paint scuffs, pitting, and small dents concentrated on horizontal surfaces and windward panels. Photograph damage with scale references and log VINs or license plate numbers for claims. Prioritize exterior soft metals and HVAC condensers exposed on rooftops and ground pads for visible dents or grill damage.

For building assessments, start with a rooftop walk for shingle granule loss, cracked edges, and displaced tabs. Check skylights and exterior glazing for chips or fractures. Document findings with geotagged photos and concise notes on location and severity. Temporary coverings should be limited to watertight tarps secured to prevent further wind damage and should be replaced with permanent repairs only after a full contractor evaluation.

See the Strike Map for the precise mapped hail track and radar-derived impact points.