Move over, snowstorms—there's a new icy celebrity in the Midwest. The National Weather Service has officially confirmed that a hailstone found in Illinois earlier this year has shattered the state record for the largest ever recorded. The announcement came straight from NOAA, which hailed the discovery as a historic moment for weather enthusiasts and curious locals alike.
The monster ice chunk, which was discovered near Kankakee, Illinois, after a storm on March 10, 2026, measured a staggering 6.603 inches in diameter. That's bigger than a softball and nearly the size of a cantaloupe. But size isn't the only impressive stat: the hailstone also boasted a volume of 38.697 cubic inches and a mass of 19.65 ounces—making it a true heavyweight in the world of weather phenomena.
“Illinois officially has a new state hail record!” the NOAA announced with undeniable enthusiasm. The confirmation came from the State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC), which validated the measurements after careful review. “A colossal hailstone, measuring 6.603 inches in diameter, was confirmed by the SCEC following a storm on March 10, 2026, near Kankakee, IL. It reached historic size, weight, and volume!”
While the discovery was made months ago, the announcement has reignited conversations about the power of severe storms. And with more heavy weather potentially brewing in the Midwest, officials are reminding residents to stay prepared. Severe thunderstorms can strike with little warning, bringing damaging winds, lightning, and—as this record shows—hail that can cause serious damage.
So what should you do when the skies turn angry? The National Weather Service has some straightforward advice. First, stay weather ready by keeping an ear on local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. If you're at home and a warning is issued, head to a secure location immediately, and don't forget your pets if time allows.
At work or school, the rules are similar: stay away from windows and avoid large, open spaces like cafeterias or gymnasiums, which can be more vulnerable to wind and hail. And if you're caught outside, the safest bet is to find a sturdy building right away. Sheds and storage facilities won't cut it, and seeking shelter under a tree is a dangerous gamble—trees can fall, and lightning is a real threat.
This record-breaking hailstone is a stark reminder of nature's raw power. It also adds a fascinating chapter to Illinois's weather history, one that locals might be talking about for years. For those who love a good weather story, this is right up there with the most talked-about sports moments—though this one comes straight from the skies.
As the Midwest braces for potential storms, the message is clear: respect the weather, stay informed, and never underestimate what a single storm can produce. This hailstone isn't just a record—it's a reminder that when it comes to Mother Nature, anything can happen.
