Denver, CO Hail Storm – July 2026

Denver, CO experienced a concluded hail-producing thunderstorm on July 22, 2026, with a peak stone measured at 2.46 inches as the line moved across the metro in the late afternoon into early evening.

What Happened

The storm developed in the late afternoon and persisted into the early evening across the Denver metropolitan area. The National Weather Service issued five alert updates for the event. At 4:13 PM MDT the NWS issued an initial warning area with no hail size specified. At 6:00 PM MDT an updated warning area indicated potential 1.00-inch hail. At 6:10 PM MDT the NWS continued warning-area messaging with a 0.88-inch hail note. At 6:41 PM MDT dual-polarization radar detected a 1.33-inch hail signature within the warning area. At 8:18 PM MDT dual-polarization radar again detected a 1.01-inch signature as the system progressed southeast across the metro.

Storm intensity peaked in the early evening as cells merged and propagated along the metro corridor. The event is concluded. Radar and warning-area updates show intermittent strong cores and localized updrafts through the sequence.

Damage Assessment

Radar-detected hail signatures included 0.88 inch, 1.01 inch, and 1.33 inch readings during the late-afternoon to early-evening window. NWS warning-area messages earlier in the sequence referenced 1.00-inch hail potential. Hail in the 0.9–1.4 inch range typically produces denting to vehicle body panels, moderate breakage of vinyl and aluminum siding, and localized granule loss and fractures on asphalt shingles. Expect concentrated vehicle panel dents and broken auto glass in neighborhoods directly beneath the stronger radar cores.

Isolated locations within the Denver metro reported larger stones. Where larger stones fell, anticipate a higher incidence of roof membrane punctures, skylight and window breakage, and more extensive vehicle and outdoor equipment damage. Prioritize inspections on south- and west-facing exposures and on structures with older roofing materials.

What Contractors Should Know

Safety first. Use fall protection and verify roof stability before access. Look for classic hail indicators: circular shingle bruising, scattered granule loss, paired impact marks on metal, and concentrated dent patterns on parked vehicles. Photograph entire elevations, close-ups of impact clusters, and include a scale object in images. Record GPS coordinates and local time for each inspection point. Triage visible leaks and open penetrations for immediate temporary repair with watertight tarping and sealing.

Estimate repairs based on material condition and concentration of impacts. Replace asphalt shingles showing fractured tabs or multiple impact bruises in a single roofing field. For metal panels, check for fatigue at seams and fasteners. Advise owners to keep original damaged materials for insurer review. Provide itemized scopes differentiating like-for-like replacement versus targeted repairs. Coordinate with adjusters and schedule second-look inspections after initial temporary work.