How is Hail Formed?

Hail is formed due to what is known as "supercool" water in cumulonimbus clouds. Of course, the process is a little bit more complicated that that. 

How Hail Forms

The exact process of hail formation, as explained by the experts at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research:

1. During the day, the ground is heated by the sun. However, eventually the warmer air moves up into the air and cools down. Hot air rises because it is less dense than cool air is.
2. While it is rising and cooling down, it is not able to hold as much moisture as when it starts out. Eventually, the water vapor condenses, forming the clouds of hail origin.
3. However, as the water is condensing, it releases heat in the surrounding areas. The air starts to rise faster and produce more moisture, due to this condensation process.
4. The winds in these particular clouds can reach speeds of 110 miles per hour. Hail grows in the main updraft of the cloud, from a supercharged area of energy.
5. Hail grows in these areas because this is where the cloud has retained some moisture. This is called "supercooled" liquid because even though it is at or below the freezing point, it has still remained in liquid form.
6. This supercooled water need something on which to freeze, and it will attach to ice, dust, salt from the ocean, or frozen raindrops. When these elements combine, hail is formed.

Now you are aware of the complicated process from which hail begins its life.