Madison hail storm history
Dane County·NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database·~75-day publication lag
Madison lies in south-central Wisconsin, where the relatively flat terrain of Dane County allows severe weather systems tracking northeast from the Great Plains to maintain intensity. This geographic position places the Madison area in a corridor where organized thunderstorms regularly produce hail capable of damaging roofs and siding. Historical records show that hail events of significant size occur regularly enough that homeowners should understand local risk and repair options.
Check if your roof was damaged by recent hail
Hail season in Madison runs from late April through August, with May and June seeing the highest frequency as spring severe weather patterns push organized convection through the Midwest. April and August represent secondary risk months when conditions can still support hail-producing storms. The peak months coincide with the transition between spring and summer weather patterns, when temperature contrasts and atmospheric moisture create favorable conditions for severe thunderstorm development.
Annual frequency — last 10 years
When hail hits — monthly pattern
Avg events per month · all years · NOAA data
All recorded hail events
Of 298 recorded events, 89 (30%) reached 1.5" or larger — the threshold for likely functional damage on standard asphalt shingles.
Quarter sized hail covering the ground.
Measured baseball sized hail.
Picture provided.
Video of 1 inch diameter hail falling.
Dented cars on east side of Madison.
Multiple reports of quarter size hail north of Middleton.
In addition to one inch hail, wind gusts to 45 mph also occurred.
Hail lasted about 45 minutes.
Hail reported to be 1 to 1.5 inch in diamater.
Dime to nickel sized hail on the west side of Fort Atkinson.
Estimated wind gusts of 50 mph with 3/4 inch hail in Middleton.
Penny to nickel size hail in downtown Middleton. Relayed via social media..
Accompanied by 20-30 mph wind.
Hail Covering the ground.
Hail ranged from 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Hail damage to car, roof of home, siding, and window s…
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 ↗