The Surprising States That See the Most Tornadoes in July

When most people think of tornado country, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas come to mind. But in the month of July, the states with the highest tornado frequency might surprise you. As the jet stream shifts northward through summer, so does the center of the nation's tornado threat, putting Minnesota and North Dakota near the top of the list for July twister activity.

Understanding why requires a look at what drives tornadoes to occur in different places at different times of year.

Why Tornado Alley Moves Northward in July

Tornadoes need three ingredients: warm, moist air near the surface; cool, dry air aloft; and wind shear, the change in wind speed and direction with height. In spring, the jet stream sits over the southern Plains, making Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas the focal points for severe weather in April and May.