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by Weather Team
The Boca Raton Tribune – May 5, 2025
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Residents across South Palm Beach County were startled Monday afternoon as a sudden and powerful thunderstorm unleashed golf ball-sized hail across parts of Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach. For a region more accustomed to sunshine and sea breezes, the storm served as a stark reminder that even coastal South Florida is not immune to the forces of severe weather.
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Multiple eyewitness accounts and photographs confirm hailstones approximately 1.75 inches in diameter.
Today’s event was more than a freak occurrence—it was a historical marker. According to the National Weather Service and local storm trackers, this is only the third significant hailstorm recorded in the area in the past 11 years.
📊 Historical Hail in South Palm Beach County
As seen in the chart above, major hail events have been exceedingly rare:
- June 11, 2014 – Quarter-sized hail in Delray Beach
- September 18, 2024 – Half-dollar-sized hail during a fast-moving thunderstorm
- May 5, 2025 – Golf ball-sized hail causing property damage and alarming many residents
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The infrequency of these events makes them all the more remarkable. And yet, experts caution that what was once rare may become less so.
🌡️ A Climate Shift?
Meteorologists and climate researchers are increasingly exploring the connection between climate change and shifting severe weather patterns. While Florida has always been prone to thunderstorms, the kind of atmospheric instability required to produce large hail—strong updrafts and pockets of cooler air at high altitudes—is becoming more likely as global temperatures rise.
“Warmer surface air combined with high-altitude cold can supercharge thunderstorms,” explains Dr. Emily Kane, a meteorologist with the Southeast Climate Institute. “That means more powerful storms and a greater chance of hail formation, even in areas like South Palm Beach that rarely see it.”
🏠 What Residents Can Do
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While hailstorms of this magnitude are still considered rare, preparation is key:
- Protect Your Car: Park in covered areas when thunderstorms are forecasted.
- Inspect Your Roof: Regular inspections can help catch damage early.
- Check Insurance Coverage: Ensure your homeowner’s policy includes hail protection.
As weather extremes continue to challenge expectations, today’s hailstorm may be a sign of the times. While South Palm Beach may never become the next “Hail Alley,” staying informed and prepared is no longer optional—it’s essential.
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