logo
La Niña Favors Increased Severe Weather
news image
Special Stories
7 Mar 2021 7:28 AM
A moderate La Niña, ongoing since late last summer, was a significant driver in 2020’s Record breaking Atlantic Hurricane Season. Now, signs point to it having a similar effect on the spring severe weather season. Dr. John Allen, a meteorologist, and professor at Central Michigan University said: “La Niña tends to increase the likelihood of us seeing tornadoes and severe weather across the Continental united states. Generally speaking, La Niñas can result in anywhere from 125% of normal to even 200% of normal.” This pool of unusually cold water in the tropical Pacific Ocean can influence weather patterns all around the globe. When a La Niña is present in the spring, the jet stream tends to migrate farther north. This sets up a large temperature contrast in the US. It separates warm, humid air across the south from winter’s lingering chill in the north. This persistent clash of air masses can fuel an active storm track from the Rockies to the interior southeast: a recipe for severe weather. Allen said, “For thunderstorms, we need instability. La Niña increases the amount of instability we see in the continent… particularly early in the season. So, La Niña’s tend to have tornado frequency peak 1-2 weeks ahead of normal.” Severe weather typically reaches its peak in mid-May. This year’s pattern projects the height of the season as early as late April. La Niña years also favor intensity over frequency. So while may see fewer severe weather days overall, there is a tendency for blockbuster events. According to Dr. Allen, “We tend to see outbreaks boom and bust. We have big days, but then we may have relatively quiet periods for a week or two.” The current La Niña has been similar in strength to other big La Niña years, such as 2011. While a La Niña weights the dice for enhanced severe weather activity, it does not necessarily mean that we will set any records. In 2011, we saw record-level outbreaks. April was the highest level we’ve ever seen in tornado history, with 800 tornadoes in a month. We won’t necessarily see that again, but we will likely see enhanced activity compared to normal. This is why it is even more important for you to stay tuned to WeatherNation, as we help you weather every storm. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5mn8yt6pWA
All Weather News
Another Atmospheric River Slams California with Flooding Rain & Mountain Snowfall
Another Atmospheric River Slams California with Flooding Rain & Mountain Snowfall
The California snowpack statewide is over dou
22 Mar 2023 2:35 AM
Avalanches in Colorado Claim the Lives of Two - Avalanche Alerts Continue this Week
Avalanches in Colorado Claim the Lives of Two - Avalanche Alerts Continue this Week
FOUR CORNERS - Fresh snow is leading to unsta
22 Mar 2023 2:30 AM
Energy Prompts Severe Storms in the Plains Before Heavy Rain in the Northeast
Energy Prompts Severe Storms in the Plains Before Heavy Rain in the Northeast
Our next big storm system will sweep across t
22 Mar 2023 2:25 AM
Severe Storm Chances Return to the Plains & South Late Week
Severe Storm Chances Return to the Plains & South Late Week
An upper-level low-pressure system from the P
22 Mar 2023 2:25 AM
Winter Storm Warnings in the Northern Plains Tonight
Winter Storm Warnings in the Northern Plains Tonight
Winter weather alerts remain in effect for no
22 Mar 2023 2:00 AM
Heavy Rain & Flood Threat for the Ohio Valley Late Week
Heavy Rain & Flood Threat for the Ohio Valley Late Week
In addition to severe storms, heavy rain is e
22 Mar 2023 1:20 AM
Record Cold to Record Heat for the Southeast
Record Cold to Record Heat for the Southeast
Temperatures have been much below average ove
21 Mar 2023 5:55 PM