Severe Hailstorm in Alberta Visible from Space

On August 20, 2025, a violent hailstorm struck Alberta, Canada, leaving a visible scar on the Earth’s surface that could be seen from space. NASA satellites captured the significant impact of this storm, which swept through the southeast of Calgary, causing severe damage to crops and local infrastructure.

Visible Effects of the Storm

NASA satellites, such as Terra and Aqua, captured images showing the scar left by the storm, stretching 200 km in length and 15 km in width. The University of Western Ontario described this storm as one of the worst the region has experienced. The damage to vegetation was severe, with crops completely destroyed and native plants significantly damaged.

The impact was particularly noticeable due to the maturity of the plants in late summer, making the scar more visible. The storm also caused severe damage to plants, with some trees stripped and peeled on their western sides.

Climatic Causes Behind the Storm

Alberta is known for violent hailstorms due to its geographical location near the Rocky Mountains, where the combination of high humidity at lower levels and cold, dry currents above creates ideal conditions for such storms. Global climate changes are also increasing the intensity of these natural phenomena.

During the storm, wind speeds reached 149 km/h, with hailstones the size of golf balls, causing devastating damage to agricultural crops and infrastructure.

Economic and Social Implications

The storm caused significant losses for local farmers, with wheat and corn crops completely destroyed. Farmers also faced issues with livestock, affecting individuals like Curtis Harbinson, whose home was severely damaged.

Insured losses from a similar storm in August 2024 exceeded $2 billion, and the current damages are expected to be costly as well. Farmers are still assessing the damage and filing insurance claims.

Conclusion

The hailstorm in Alberta highlights the increasing risks of natural storms amid climate changes. The economic and social impacts of these disasters necessitate collaborative efforts to develop strategies for adaptation and protection. There remains a pressing need to raise awareness about the importance of climate change and work towards mitigating its negative effects on the environment and local economy.