Hail

Definition

Ice balls or irregular ice formed in thunderstorms by strong updrafts cycling water through freezing levels. Hail can cause severe structural damage to aircraft including windscreen cracks and engine damage.

Related Terms

Thunderstorm

A convective weather phenomenon producing lightning, heavy rain, turbulence, hai...

Cumulonimbus(CB)

The thunderstorm cloud, extending vertically from low levels to the tropopause o...

Convection

The vertical transport of heat and moisture in the atmosphere by rising air parc...

Test your knowledge

Think you understand Hail? Challenge yourself with practice questions covering meteorology and all other ATPL subjects.

Start a Practice Quiz

Or browse all >1,300 questions by subject