Sonoita, AZ Hail Storm – August 2026

Sonoita, AZ — August 23, 2026. A multi-zone hail-producing storm moved through Sonoita in the late afternoon and early evening, producing a peak stone of 2.45 inches and prompting multiple radar-detected alerts and NWS warnings.

What Happened

The storm produced a series of six NWS alerts across a four-hour window. Three alerts were supported by dual-polarization NEXRAD radar detection. Three alerts were issued as NWS warning only.

Alert sequence (local times):

• August 23 · 3:22 PM MST (22:22 UTC) – 1.09" hail – radar-detected (dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection).
• August 23 · 4:09 PM MST (23:09 UTC) – 1.08" hail – radar-detected (dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection).
• August 23 · 4:53 PM MST (23:53 UTC) – 1.00" hail – NWS warning only.
• August 23 · 5:10 PM MST (00:10 UTC) – 1.00" hail – NWS warning only.
• August 23 · 7:39 PM MST (02:39 UTC) – 1.09" hail – radar-detected (dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection).
• August 23 · 8:27 PM MST (03:27 UTC) – 1.00" hail – NWS warning only.

The event is concluded. Radar returns and the alert pattern indicate repeated hail-producing cores passing over the area from mid-afternoon into early evening. The largest individual stone measured in post-event assessment was 2.45 inches.

Damage Assessment

Measured and radar-detected stones in this event ranged from about 1.0 inch up to the 2.45-inch peak. Stones near 1 inch commonly cause surface abrasion to roofing granules, dents to vehicle bodies, and cosmetic damage to vinyl and aluminum siding. Stones above 2 inches increase the risk of shingle fracture, punctures to softer roof coverings, and window glass damage in exposed locations.

For properties in and immediately around Sonoita, expect the highest-impact locations to be vehicles parked outdoors, south- and west-facing roof slopes that were exposed during the late-afternoon cores, and rooftop equipment such as HVAC condensers and solar arrays. Damage reports tied to this event should reference the specific alert times and radar-detected cores when documenting exposure for claims.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin exterior inspections as soon as it is safe to access properties, prioritizing photo documentation of roofing, siding, gutters, skylights, solar panels, and HVAC units. Measure hail fragments on-site and include a ruler or scale in photographs. Note the time of inspection relative to the event window and the nearest alert time from the sequence above. Tag any panelized roofing with the size of visible fractures and collect sample shingles that show granular loss or cracking for claim substantiation.

For immediate mitigation, secure tarps where through-penetrations or open decking exist. Avoid walking on brittle, hail-damaged shingles without fall protection and roof stability checks. Log serial numbers and photograph exterior appliances and vehicles before moving them. Coordinate repairs with insurance documentation standards and attach the alert times and radar notes to work orders when submitting estimates.