US weather: Tornadoes peak in May. What you should know

Tornadoes can make a landfall anytime of the year in the US, but an analysis has revealed that maximum number of tornadoes make a landfall in the month of May. Analysis of data from the years 1991-2020, revealed that 1333 tornadoes were recorded across the US every year and 54% of them occurred in the months of April-June, as per a report on Fox.

Historically, on an average, 294 tornadoes every year has been recorded in the month of May whereas April and June have averaged 212.

During the month of May, Tornadoes make a landfall characterized by extreme weather events through plains, gulf and east coast.

Tornado Formation:

When warm and humid air raises and cool air descends, it causes the winds to spin out horizontally. While the air starts to spin horizontally, they can drop down vertically from the air forming a tornado. Tornadoes generally form over land whereas Cyclones form over warm oceanic waters. Cyclones that hit the Indian coast are over a large area are more predictable.

Recent events pertaining to climate change events have increased the chances of tornadoes across the US.

Precautions

• According to a general advisory issued by the government to deal with Tornadoes, the following has been advised:
• Keeping mobile phones and other communication devices charged,
• Maintaining a list of all essential items and keeping adequate stock of all these items,
• Tracking all the developments from government sourced and reliable news channels on recent information related to tornadoes,
• Ensuring construction of sustainable structures such as buildings etc to minimize loses

FAQs:

Q1. Which part of the US has recently been hit by a Tornado in the month of May?
A1. Central American states such as Texas and Oklahoma have been hit by Tornadoes.

Q2. Are tornadoes increasing due to climate change events?
A2. There is a growing body of studies suggesting an increased frequency and stronger tornadoes formation due to climate change and global warming in the US. This is according to research conducted by various universities and think tanks.