Hailstorms might be brief, but their impacts aren't. In this episode ofTotally Cooked, hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a Professor of Climate Science at the Australian National University, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, are joined by Dr Tim Raupach of UNSW to explore how hail forms, why it causes so much damage, and what climate change means for its future.

We unpack the ingredients that make a hailstorm, why places like Canberra and the east coast of Australia are particularly at risk, and how hailstones grow into car-destroying chunks of ice. We also dive into forecasting challenges, billion-dollar insurance losses, and how new high-resolution climate models and machine learning are reshaping hail research.

Whether you’ve had a smashed windscreen, love watching storms roll in, or want to understand how even short-lived weather events are being reshaped by climate change, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the hidden risks falling from the sky.

PS, if you finished Episode 5, you might have been expecting an El Niño episode this week. Don’t worry, we’ll be talking through everything ENSO with you soon enough.

To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/

Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

Hailstorms might be brief, but their impacts aren't. In this episode of<a href="https://21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/"> Totally Cooked</a>, hosts<a href="https://21centuryweather.org.au/profile/sarah-kirkpatrick"> Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick</a>, a Professor of Climate Science at the Australian National University, and<a href="https://21centuryweather.org.au/profile/iain-strachan"> Iain Strachan</a>, a former journalist turned science communicator, are joined by<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/tim-raupach"> Dr Tim Raupach</a> of UNSW to explore how hail forms, why it causes so much damage, and what climate change means for its future.
We unpack the ingredients that make a hailstorm, why places like Canberra and the east coast of Australia are particularly at risk, and how hailstones grow into car-destroying chunks of ice. We also dive into forecasting challenges, billion-dollar insurance losses, and how new high-resolution climate models and machine learning are reshaping hail research.
Whether you&rsquo;ve had a smashed windscreen, love watching storms roll in, or want to understand how even short-lived weather events are being reshaped by climate change, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the hidden risks falling from the sky.
PS, if you finished Episode 5, you might have been expecting an El Ni&ntilde;o episode this week. Don&rsquo;t worry, we&rsquo;ll be talking through everything ENSO with you soon enough.
To find out more, go to: <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/">https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/</a>
Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

Totally Cooked is a straight-talking, science-backed podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth — especially here in Australia.

Hosted by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a leading expert in extreme weather, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, the show dives deep into the causes and consequences of our changing climate. 

With clarity, curiosity and a touch of dark humour, Sarah and Iain unpack the science behind climate change, high-impact weather, and the urgent need for action.

From greenhouse gases and El Niño to ice cores, heatwaves, and hail storms, Totally Cooked connects the dots between complex climate science and the everyday weather we all experience. Along the way, you’ll hear from world-class researchers, policymakers, and frontline communities grappling with the climate crisis.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just curious about what’s really going on, this podcast will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to face the future.

No jargon. No sugar-coating. Just the facts — and a little hope.

Totally Cooked is a straight-talking, science-backed podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth &mdash; especially here in Australia.
Hosted by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a leading expert in extreme weather, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, the show dives deep into the causes and consequences of our changing climate.&nbsp;
With clarity, curiosity and a touch of dark humour, Sarah and Iain unpack the science behind climate change, high-impact weather, and the urgent need for action.
From greenhouse gases and El Ni&ntilde;o to ice cores, heatwaves, and hail storms, Totally Cooked connects the dots between complex climate science and the everyday weather we all experience. Along the way, you&rsquo;ll hear from world-class researchers, policymakers, and frontline communities grappling with the climate crisis.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just curious about what&rsquo;s really going on, this podcast will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to face the future.
No jargon. No sugar-coating. Just the facts &mdash; and a little hope.

Advertisement