The Deadliest Stretch of Tornado Season Begins in April

The turning of the calendar from March to April marks the start of the most active stretch for tornadoes across the U.S. Although twisters can spin up at any time of the year, April, May, and June typically produce the greatest amount of tornadic activity. Here is a look at what you can expect over the next few months.

U.S. Entering Busiest Stretch of Tornadic Activity

Not only are April, May, and June the busiest months for tornadoes across the U.S., but this three-month stretch is also when you are most likely to see the largest and most destructive tornadoes.  The specific atmospheric conditions most likely to fuel the development of tornadoes are present in abundance during this time period.

Heading into April, the southeastern U.S. is where you can expect to see the highest threat of tornadoes at any given time. The swath of land from Arkansas and down into Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi is a hotbed for April tornadoes. By May, the primary impact zone shifts to the north. This movement brings the action into tornado alley and up into the central portions of Illinois.  A further shift to the north in June brings the concern of destructive tornadoes into Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Dakota.