Centennial hail storm history
Arapahoe County·NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database·~75-day publication lag
Centennial, located in Arapahoe County, has experienced 8 hail events of 1 inch or larger over the past 10 years, with 3 of those reaching severe levels of 1.5 inches or greater. The city sits on the Front Range where afternoon convective storms tracking northeast from the Rocky Mountains create conditions favorable for hail development. The largest recorded hailstone in Centennial reached 1.5 inches in diameter, comparable to a ping pong ball.
Hail risk in Centennial peaks between May and July, with secondary activity occurring in April and August. Most significant hail events occur during afternoon hours between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Mountain Time, when atmospheric instability is highest. The average frequency of hail events 1 inch or larger is 0.8 events per year, though the most recent event occurred on May 18, 2025.
Annual frequency — last 10 years
When hail hits — monthly pattern
Avg events per month · all years · NOAA data
All recorded hail events
Of 49 recorded events, 17 (35%) reached 1.5" or larger — the threshold for likely functional damage on standard asphalt shingles.
Report from Mping.
Wind-driven hail caused minor damage to windows, siding and a hot tub cover.
Hail damaged vehicles and trailers in Cherry Creek State Park. Minor flooding was also observed.
Centennial's hail event count reflects NOAA reporting from Arapahoe County weather stations. Precise storm tracks and impact zones within the city may not be fully documented in county-level records, particularly for smaller hail events that cause minimal damage or occur in unpopulated areas.
NOAA Storm Events Database source