Minneapolis hail storm history
Hennepin County·NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database·~75-day publication lag
Minneapolis sits in Hennepin County within the Twin Cities metropolitan area, a region that experiences hail because of its geographic position between the Mississippi and Minnesota river systems and its location along the path of moisture-laden air masses moving north from the Gulf of Mexico. The urban heat island effect of the metro area can locally intensify convective storms, increasing the likelihood of hail formation during peak storm season.
Check if your roof was damaged by recent hail
Hail in Minneapolis occurs most frequently during June and July, when the jet stream retreats northward and warm, moist air from the Gulf extends into Minnesota. May and August represent secondary risk months. During these periods, the combination of atmospheric instability and favorable storm-track positioning creates conditions where hail-producing thunderstorms develop with regularity across the metro corridor.
Annual frequency — last 10 years
When hail hits — monthly pattern
Avg events per month · all years · NOAA data
All recorded hail events
Of 170 recorded events, 63 (37%) reached 1.5" or larger — the threshold for likely functional damage on standard asphalt shingles.
Quarter sized hail was observed just northeast of I-94 and Highway 101 near Rogers.
Reported by non-NWS meteorologist.
Most of the hail was pea size.
There was a social media picture of golf ball size hail.
Spotters reported one inch hail, but the size and severity of the hailstones decreased after 2345 LS…
A social media picture of mainly dime to nickel size hail was noted.
The hailstones caused major damage to cars, a camper and siding near 92nd Avenue, and Hampshire Aven…
There were multiple reports of large hail, some up to 2 inches in diameter, on the northeast side of…
Report and photo submitted via social media.
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information Storm Events Database. Publication lag is approximately 75 days — current-year events may be incomplete.
NOAA Storm Events Database ↗