Understanding the Most Minimized Weather Dangers in Spring and Summer

During the late spring and early summer months, it is typically the tornadoes and the tropical weather events that grab all of the weather headlines. While these are certainly risks that can turn destructive and deadly, they are not the only dangers facing Americans this time of the year. Here is a look at some of the most underrated weather hazards to be aware of as the month of May begins.

Rip Currents

A trip to the beach is a rite of passage for many families as the mercury starts to inch up. Although beach trips are a great way to kick off the summer season, it is important to be aware of the risks of rip currents. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), rip currents are responsible for an average of 74 fatalities each year. This makes them the third-highest fatality count of any weather-related death during the ten-year period between 2014 and 2023.

Rip currents can spring up at any beach that has breaking waves. Rip current deaths have been reported in most states located along the Gulf, East, and West coasts. The shorelines of the Great Lakes have also reported deaths blamed on rip currents.

Florida leads the nation in rip current fatalities, coming in at 103 during a five-year period ending in 2024. Texas reported 20 deaths during this time while North Carolina came in third place with 18. Death tolls in the double digits have also been confirmed along the states with shorelines bordering the Great Lakes. This list includes Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

You can protect yourself and your family by monitoring the current rip current risk at the beach that you are visiting. Most beaches use color-coded flags to indicate the current danger posed by rip currents. NOAA also publishes a daily rip current forecast so that you can take the necessary precautions.

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is the most underrated weather danger during the summer months. Heat waves are responsible for a historical average of 222 fatalities each year in the U.S., using data from NOAA over the two-year period between 2014 and 2023. This number is more than quadruple the average fatality count for tornadoes during the same time.

There is no state in the U.S. that is immune to the dangers of extreme heat. You can reduce your specific risk by staying well hydrated, being mindful of the time that you spend outdoors when the temperatures are soaring, wearing light-colored and breathable clothing, and being intentional about seeking out cooler indoor areas. It is also good practice to check on vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly.

Flash Flooding