Illinois Sets New State Hailstone Record, South Dakota Retains World Record
Illinois has certified a new state record for the largest hailstone, measuring over 6.6 inches across, which fell near Kankakee on March 10. The hailstone weighed one pound, 3.65 ounces, and had a volume of 38.697 cubic inches, shattering Illinois’ previous record of 4.75 inches. The certification was announced by NOAA’s State Climate Extremes Commission on September 1, following detailed measurements by Dr. Victor Gensini of Northern Illinois University. Despite this new state record, South Dakota continues to hold the world record for the largest hailstone. This record-setting hailstone, which fell near Vivian in July 2010, measured 8 inches in diameter, had an 18.63-inch circumference, and weighed one pound, 15 ounces, even after some melting occurred. 
