Hailstorms in Saskatchewan: 2025 Weather Loss Predictions

As we look ahead to the summer of 2025, Saskatchewan farmers and residents are bracing for what could be a tumultuous weather season. With the potential for severe hailstorms looming, understanding the implications of these weather patterns is crucial for effective risk management. 

Hail Insurance Outlook for 2025

Hailstorms are a common occurrence in Saskatchewan, particularly during the summer months. The province’s unique geography and climate create conditions conducive to hail formation, often resulting in severe storms that can devastate crops and property.

 Ask any farmer in the three Prairie provinces about crop hail insurance, and many will tell you it’s very important to provide protection for crops”  (Kopochinski, Lisa, “The Importance of Crop Hail Insurance,” Farming for Tomorrow, May/June 2025)

We’ve definitely seen some big hail events here in Saskatchewan that have caused a lot of heartache for residents. For example, back in 2021, some nasty storms swept through and caused millions in crop damage. It really shows how vulnerable things can be.

Interestingly, the area in Canada known for hail, nicknamed ‘Hail Alley’ used to be mainly between Calgary and Red Deer in Alberta. But, according to a report by RIMS, things are changing. These kinds of damaging storms are now hitting areas all over North America that we didn’t used to worry about as much.

This increase in hail claims and how bad the damage is in different places is a big reason why insurance costs, including hail insurance, go up or down. Now, looking ahead to this year, 2025, it sounds like hail insurance costs might be a bit more stable. 

In the Farming for Tomorrow (May/June 2025) article,

The Importance of Crop Hail Insurance,” Bruce Lowe from AG Direct Hail Insurance mentioned: “Crop hail claims and losses across the Prairies in recent years have aligned with long-term expectations,” and while certain areas might see some upward pressure on costs, “overall, the cost of hail insurance coverage is expected to remain relatively stable year over year. 

Jesse Cole from Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) also seems optimistic for 2025, stating: “Fewer claims than the long-term average mean that premiums will tend to remain the same or decrease on average across the province.” 

However, it’s crucial to remember that hail patterns can be quite localized. The ‘Hail Reports by Year’ data from 2019-2023 shows some interesting regional variations. Alberta reported the highest number of hailstorms in 2019 and 2020, while Saskatchewan saw a spike in 2021. Major hailstorms were noted in Edmonton (2019), Calgary (2020 & 2023), Moose Jaw (2021), and multiple times in Winnipeg. 

As Cole points out, “…depending on where a producer lives and what types of crops they are growing, a hailstorm can be devastating”. (Farming for Tomorrow (May/June 2025) article, “The Importance of Crop Hail Insurance,”)

Hail stones, big or small, can do some serious damage, especially when plants are just starting. For farmers, this isn’t just about losing what’s growing now. It can also mess with the soil and impact future harvests. A hailstorm may hit an area once, then not occur again for a few years.

The thing about hailstorms is they can pop up pretty much anytime a strong thunderstorm rolls through, so there is no typical ‘hail’ season.

2025 Hailstorms Predictions for Saskatchewan

Forecasts for the upcoming summer season indicate a complex interplay of weather patterns that could impact hail activity.

The 2024 hail season presented notable deviations from typical patterns. According to Greg Barrows, president of Cameron Agencies & C.A. Shaw Insurance Brokers, it was “a fairly odd year with storms earlier than normal.” He further observed that “The traditional storm season in July didn’t happen in many areas.” (Farming for Tomorrow (May/June 2025) article, “The Importance of Crop Hail Insurance)

Doug Gillham, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, advises a proactive stance, stating,

A relatively active pattern is expected through April with near-normal or even above-normal precipitation. However, we are concerned about the risk for increasingly dry conditions across southern parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba as we head into early summer. 

Projections for the summer months include the expectation of above-average temperatures, particularly during late May and June. This warming trend can potentially increase the instability in the atmosphere, thereby elevating the risk of severe thunderstorms, a primary mechanism for hail formation.

Precipitation Patterns

In addition to fluctuations in temperature, variations in precipitation levels are also anticipated. 

In the case of Saskatchewan, the drought conditions in 2023 strained crop yields, leading to an almost 11% decline in production compared to the previous year. Consequently, the provincial government had to allocate approximately $1.2 billion more than planned through its Ministry of Agriculture. However, by the end of March 31, 2024, the surplus has completely evaporated, leaving Saskatchewan with an approximate $482 million deficit for the year instead.

Predictions indicate that Saskatchewan might encounter average to above-average rainfall during the summer season this year. This could mean that certain areas will receive higher-than-usual precipitation while others might face dry spells.

Shaun Folden, a licensed insurance broker at Harvard Western Insurance, adds, “Hail insurance is not just a safety net; it’s a crucial part of risk management for farmers in Saskatchewan. With the predicted weather patterns, having adequate coverage is more important than ever.”

This image contains statistical data sourced from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

Looking at the catastrophic loss data in Canada from 1994 to 2024, a clear upward trend emerges, particularly in the last decade. While past years like 1998 and 2013 saw significant losses, the estimated trend line shows a noticeable climb. The average annual loss between 2001 and 2010 was around $701 million, but 2024 year-to-date already shows a staggering $7.7 billion in losses.

Although this data encompasses various events, hailstorms are a major factor, especially in the Prairies. Given the increasing frequency and severity of severe weather, including intense hailstorms, it’s reasonable to anticipate a continued high risk and financial impact in 2025.

While predicting the future is uncertain, the historical data indicates a growing vulnerability to costly weather disasters in Canada. This underscores the importance of preparedness for severe weather, including hailstorms, as we look to 2025. This need for vigilance is echoed by the agricultural community.

So, while overall hail insurance costs may seem stable, Saskatchewan farmers should stay prepared for the localized and unpredictable nature of hailstorms and ensure they have adequate protection.

FAQs   

What does hail insurance cover? While the article focuses on crop hail insurance for farmers, hail insurance can also cover damage to property like homes, vehicles, and businesses. Crop hail insurance protects explicitly against losses to growing crops caused by hail.

How is the cost of hail insurance determined? The cost of hail insurance is influenced by several factors, including the location’s risk of hail, the type and value of what’s being insured (crops, property, etc.), and the coverage level. 

When is the best time to get hail insurance? For crop hail insurance, farmers typically purchase coverage before or early in the growing season. For some insurers, the deadline for enrolling for coverage ends June 30th.

What should I do if my property or crops are damaged by hailstorms? If you experience hail damage, you should document the damage with photos and/or videos and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to file a claim. For crop damage, a Notice of Loss is needed, and it is imperative to submit it in writing as it cannot be accepted via telephone.

The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, it is important to understand that individual circumstances and claim outcomes can vary significantly. This information should not be used as a substitute for personalized guidance from qualified professionals. 

Thanks for reading our article; I hope you enjoyed this month’s topic on what our insights are for hailstorms for 2025 to help you with your hail insurance decisions. Here are some more ways to access more insurance information and tips:

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