Bozeman, MT Hail Storm – August 2026

Bozeman, MT experienced a short, mid-afternoon hail event on August 23, 2026, producing peak 1.11-inch hail and localized intense radar returns. The storm concluded later the same afternoon.

What Happened

A compact thunderstorm passed over the Bozeman metro in the mid-afternoon on August 23. The National Weather Service issued one radar-based hail alert at 2:41 PM MDT for 0.75-inch hail after dual-polarization radar showed strong hail signatures within the cell. Radar data indicate a focused hail core that traversed portions of the municipal area for a limited duration. The event is listed as concluded in post-storm data. Ground reports have not been widely distributed in real time; the operational record is built primarily from NEXRAD dual-polarization detection and the single warning polygon issued by the NWS.

Damage Assessment

Hail of this size commonly causes cosmetic and functional damage to exterior surfaces when it falls at typical thunderstorm wind velocities. Vehicles exposed in driveways and lots are likely to show denting to body panels and chips to paint. Asphalt roofing may show bruising and early granule loss, especially on older shingles. Vinyl siding can crack or split on impact faces that received direct hits. Vulnerable external equipment such as air-conditioner condenser units, skylights, and solar arrays may sustain localized impact damage. Interior water intrusion is possible where hail has compromised roofing or flashing; inspectors should look for newly stained ceilings and saturated insulation in properties that reported exposure to the hail swath.

What Contractors Should Know

Deploy inspection teams with documented chains of custody for imagery and timestamps. Begin with high-resolution exterior photos from multiple angles and note vehicle locations and lot orientation. Prioritize roofs built more than 10 years ago, roofing with visible wear, and installations with known hail vulnerability such as single-layer asphalt shingles and exposed metal façades. Temporary tarping may be required for sites with open flashing or active interior leaks. Worksite safety is critical; use two-person teams on pitched roofs and verify ladder and harness anchors before accessing elevated surfaces.

Coordinate with property owners and adjusters on scope thresholds. Provide itemized line items for panel replacement versus restoration, and document pre-existing conditions to avoid scope disputes. Track small claims and emergency repair invoices separately from full replacement estimates to expedite recoveries for customers with limited deductibles.

Precise, radar-derived hail track data for this event is available in the Strike Map (paid product).