Severe weather season is ramping up, with a volatile weather pattern fueling damaging thunderstorms and tornadoes across more than a dozen states as we head into May. So far in 2021, there have been over 315 preliminary tornado reports in the United States, with deadly twisters hitting Ohio in March and a recent spate of tornadoes in the central Plains. AccuWeather’s initial tornado season forecast from March predicted a higher number of tornadoes in May compared to historical averages, and this forecast is now coming to fruition in terms of both timing and location.
AccuWeather experts are anticipating a very active weather period starting in late April, with a big storm system moving in from the Pacific expected to spark severe weather outbreaks in the Plains between April 26-29. The combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf and Caribbean meeting with this intense storm system is likely to lead to several rounds of severe weather, including tornadoes. As we transition into May, the dangerous weather pattern is expected to continue, making for a volatile start to the month.
During the first half of May, the focus of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes is likely to be on the nation’s midsection, including Tornado Alley cities like Dallas, Austin, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, and St. Louis. As we move into the second half of the month, the risk of severe storms and tornadoes will shift eastward and expand into the Tennessee Valley, southern Appalachians, and parts of the Southeast. Additional areas, such as the Northeast and Ohio Valley, should also be prepared for potentially damaging storms during this time.
The period from April through June typically sees a high frequency of tornadoes, with the month of May having the highest number of tornado reports on record. Data from the Storm Prediction Center shows that May 25 has historically been the day with the most tornado touchdowns, with 649 tornadoes reported on that date between 1950 and 2020. While tornado activity usually peaks in late spring and early summer, tornadoes can occur on any day of the year when the right conditions are present.
For those looking for advanced safety alerts and a ad-free experience during severe weather events, AccuWeather’s Premium+ subscription offers hyperlocal severe weather alerts from expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep subscribers and their families safe. These alerts provide next-level safety information to help individuals stay informed and prepared during severe weather events. With the peak of tornado season approaching, staying alert and informed is crucial to ensure the safety of communities across the United States.
