Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West; Excessive Rainfall Possible in the South-Central U.S.

Heat will build over the Intermountain West and the Southwest the next couple of days. Lightning from dry thunderstorms can create new fire starts and combined with gusty winds may cause a fire to rapidly grow in Oregon and northern California. Flash flooding will be possible in New Mexico and west Texas today, as well as parts of the southern and central Plains due to slow moving thunderstorms. Read More >

Overview

Fast Facts:

During the late afternoon and early evening of June 10, multiple storms produced large hail and very heavy rainfall along the I-80 corridor, including across the far southern and southwestern Chicago suburbs. For a listing of rainfall totals, visit here.

The largest hail reported was measured at 4.75", two miles north-northwest of Minooka around 7:20 pm. There were many reports of 2.5" diameter hail and larger across Minooka. Severe vehicle damage was noted from within this area.

The 4.75" diameter hail collected two miles north-northwest of Minooka, or about 45 miles southwest of Chicago, stands as the largest documented hail stone able to be verified in Illinois on record. See report here.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect for that area, including Minooka, issued at 7:05 pm.

NWS Chicago Doppler Radar Reflectivity Loop: June 10, 2015 from 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Hail Record
Hail Safety
Reports
Meteorology

Hail Record:

The Illinois state record for hail was set on June 10, 2015 as determined by the State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC). Members included from NCEI, the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, Illinois State Climatologist, NWS Central Region Headquarters, and NWS Chicago.

State Record Hail Final Report

State Records

Recent State Records Set

Hail Safety Reminders

The National Weather Service received many photos of the large hail on June 10 and these visual reports assisted us with warning messages to better stress the dangerous nature of the storms, as well as verification efforts after. Thank you!

It is important to remember that severe storms are dangerous, and hail to the size of this day can easily injure and even be deadly. While photos may be beneficial to us, ensure safety first and foremost. It is absolutely fine if the hail pictures have to wait to after the storm has ended, because after all, hail of this size will take quite a while to melt!

A reminder that the best place to be in severe storms is inside and central in a sturdy structure, away from windows, and putting as many walls between you and the severe storm as possible.

Storm Reports


Storm Reports from June 10, 2015	NWS Doppler Radar hail detection from June 10, 2015

Text listing of storm reports from June 10, 2015

U.S. storm reports from June 10, 2015

Meteorology

3D perspective of record hail storm, with white circle indicating location of record hail (2NNW of Minooka, IL).


MLCAPE at 6 pm on June 10, 2015	Effective deep layer shear at 6 pm on June 10, 2015	Precipitable water at 6 pm on June 10, 2015

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Additional recaps can be found on the NWS Chicago Past Events Page

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Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West; Excessive Rainfall Possible in the South-Central U.S.

June 10, 2015: State Record Giant Hail Observed Near Minooka IL