Calgary's July hailstorm inflicted approximately $92 million worth of damage to insured properties
In the heart of Canada's "Hailstorm Alley," Calgary has been experiencing an alarming trend - an increasing frequency and severity of hailstorms. On average, the city witnesses around 40 hailstorms every year, a number that has been steadily rising.
Over the past two decades, Alberta has seen at least one major hailstorm annually, causing over $11 billion in insurance damages. The last five years alone have seen over $6 billion in damages, a stark reminder of the destructive power of these storms.
Recent hailstorms, such as those in August 2024 and July 2025, have caused record-breaking insured damages. The 2024 storm, for instance, resulted in over $3.2 billion in damages, while the 2025 storm cost an estimated $92 million. These storms have heavily impacted vehicles, homes, and local businesses, leaving many Calgarians cleaning up and rebuilding.
The causes of this frequent hailstorm activity in Calgary and the surrounding region are a combination of geographic and climatic factors. Calgary's location within the "Hailstorm Alley," a corridor extending from High River in the south through Calgary and Red Deer to Lacombe and toward the Rocky Mountain House area, naturally predisposes the area to conditions conducive to hail formation.
The region's unique position near the Rocky Mountains also plays a role. The mountains influence the development of strong storms by providing orographic lift (air rising over mountains), which fuels severe thunderstorms capable of producing hail.
Climate change is exacerbating these conditions by increasing the intensity and frequency of severe weather events, including hailstorms, as warmer temperatures promote more convective activity and unstable atmospheric conditions. Rapid urban expansion in Calgary may also contribute to increased storm impact by creating urban heat islands and affecting local weather patterns.
The fallout from repeated and intense hailstorms has intensified discussions around the need for better resilience measures. Proposed solutions include more stringent building codes (favoring hail-resistant materials over vulnerable vinyl siding and asphalt shingles), improved storm warning systems, and financial support for retrofitting homes to better withstand hail damage.
Amidst soaring home insurance costs, Calgary homeowners are seeking answers. The 2025 hailstorm in Calgary, for example, damaged 10% of WestJet's fleet of airplanes, requiring extensive repairs. The insurance damage from the 2024 storm in Calgary alone is over $3.2 billion, with 65% of the damage estimate due to vehicle damage.
Environment Canada has warned of severe thunderstorms and possible funnel clouds in Alberta, raising concerns about future storms. The Insurance Bureau of Canada states that Alberta has experienced at least one major hailstorm every year for the past two decades, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
Researchers at the Northern Hail Project, a branch of Western University's Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, estimate that more than 40 hailstorms occur in the area every summer. These trends highlight the urgency for enhanced adaptation and mitigation strategies in the region.
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