Rio Rico, AZ Hail Storm – September 2026

Rio Rico, AZ experienced a late-afternoon into early-evening storm on September 9, 2026 that produced 1.75-inch (golf ball) hail and a sequence of NWS alerts. The event concluded by early evening.

What Happened

The storm developed in the late afternoon and issued eight NWS alerts between 3:17 PM MST and 7:23 PM MST. Radar detections and warning-only periods alternated as the cell moved through the Rio Rico metro.

Alert timeline

• 3:17 PM MST — 1.26 inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD hail detection).
• 4:13 PM MST — 0.78 inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD hail detection).
• 5:22 PM MST — NWS warning only; no radar hail detection reported in this alert.
• 5:48 PM MST — 0.68 inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD hail detection).
• 6:09 PM MST — 0.85 inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD hail detection).
• 6:29 PM MST — 0.30 inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD hail detection).
• 6:42 PM MST — NWS warning only; no radar hail detection reported in this alert.
• 7:23 PM MST — NWS warning only; no radar hail detection reported in this alert.

In addition to the radar-detected values above, field reporting and post-event assessment identified maximum hail measuring 1.75 inches in diameter. Radar detections clustered in the late-afternoon period, with intermittent warning-only stretches as the cell weakened and re-intensified. The storm is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Observed and radar-detected hail sizes in this event ranged from pea-sized stones to golf-ball-size. Areas that received radar-detected hail of roughly 0.7 to 1.3 inches are at elevated risk for cosmetic and functional damage to exposed surfaces. Inspect those addresses for dented vehicle panels, chipped paint, and loss of shingle granules.

Locations with reports of 1.75-inch hail face higher-impact outcomes. Golf-ball-size hail can crack skylights, fracture single-pane windows, and puncture older or already-weathered asphalt shingles. Metal roof panels and siding are likely to show dents and paint damage where stones impacted directly. Landscaping and unprotected equipment are at risk for broken glass and torn coverings.

What Contractors Should Know

Safety first. Confirm utility lines are de-energized before work near roofs. Conduct an initial visual survey from ground level and document all damage with time-stamped photos and GPS-tagged locations. Prioritize tarping soft spots and securing loose debris that can cause secondary damage in wind events.

Estimate and triage. Focus immediate repairs on water intrusion points and broken glazing. For roofing, check for fractured shingles, missing granules, and exposed underlayment. For vehicles and metal surfaces, document dents and paint failure for insurance. Provide clients with a concise scope: emergency tarping, temporary glazing, and prioritized full repairs with material and labor estimates.