Most tornadoes hit North Texas in April and May, data shows. Here’s why that happens
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Weather data collected for nearly a century and a half shows that the months of April and May are the most dangerous in North Texas when it comes to tornadoes.
In 2022, Texas saw a total of 160 tornadoes, with 49 recorded in North Texas. But April and May hold the most tornadic activity for North Texas since 1880, with over 1,000 twisters confirmed between the two months.
March gave us a preview of the threat severe storms pose, from golf-ball sized hail to strong winds. Two EF-1 tornadoes were confirmed in Parker County, mere weeks ago.
Severe weather season for North Texas begins in mid-March and lasts until June, with May being a hot spot for tornadoes, said Harold Brooks, a senior research scientist with the National Severe Storms Laboratory at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“It doesn’t really matter if it’s a big [severe weather] season or a small season, you need to be ready personally, because all it takes is one,” Brooks said. “If it’s one out of a really big year, or one out of a not pretty big year, the one for you is what matters.”
Why does severe weather season occur in the spring?
A mix of wind and warmth is why severe weather strikes in spring.
Wind shear and warm moist air are some of the main ingredients for severe weather, Brooks said. As effects of wind shear from the winter prevails and blows into spring, it mixes with the warming temperatures to create a perfect incubator of storms.
“We basically get severe weather when there’s enough of both,” Brooks said. “That’s why it happens in the spring is there’s still enough wind shear hanging around and warm, moist air before everything moves north.”
What’s the severe weather season outlook for 2023?
It’s hard to say, but no matter what, severe weather will occur this spring.
Preliminary forecasts can be insightful tools but are generally only for a week in advance, Brooks said. Research is currently being done to enhance the tracking abilities for severe weather and tornadoes.
The best thing North Texans can do is be alert and ready for severe weather these next few months, because its coming, Brooks said.
“In the spring its, ‘Are we going to have some tornadoes? Or are we going to have a lot’,” he said.
How many tornadoes have there been in 2023?
In total, Texas has seen 28 tornadoes in 2023, according to the National Weather Service.
Only six of those tornadoes have been reported in North Texas:
Parker County- Two
Dallas County- Two
Wise County- One
Navarro County- One
What should I do during severe weather?
There’s a few things everyone can do when preparing for severe weather:
Regularly check the forecast and watch for updates from local TV, radio and the internet.
Create a communication plan with your family and know what to do when severe weather hits.
If a severe weather warning is issued, follow through on the plan and find a secure location in your home such as a basement or interior room on the lowest floor.
If a severe weather warning happens at work or school, avoid large open rooms like cafeterias, gymnasium or auditorium. Find a sturdy building to be in.
If driving, drive to the closest secure structure. Don’t try to outrun thunderstorms or tornadoes.
Wait at least 30 minutes after the storm ends to go outdoors.
