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
More
Storms Head Back to the Ohio Valley and Northeast

Storms Head Back to the Ohio Valley and Northeast

OHIO VALLEY - After a very stormy and wet mon

1 May 2025 11:05 PM
Flooding Threat Continues in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and More

Flooding Threat Continues in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and More

The forecast remains wet in the southern plai

1 May 2025 11:00 PM
Severe Weather Threat Continues Across Central U.S. to Ohio Valley

Severe Weather Threat Continues Across Central U.S. to Ohio Valley

A frontal boundary stretched across half of t

1 May 2025 10:50 PM
Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby Week Events

Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby Week Events

Louisville is gearing up for the 151st Kentuc

1 May 2025 10:15 AM
Rain For Denver, Snow For The Mountains

Rain For Denver, Snow For The Mountains

A cold front and area of low pressure slide t

1 May 2025 12:25 AM
Rain This Week Douses Fire Concerns Today

Rain This Week Douses Fire Concerns Today

Fire weather concerns have been all too commo

29 Apr 2025 6:40 PM
Dangerous Storms Moving Across the Upper Midwest Overnight

Dangerous Storms Moving Across the Upper Midwest Overnight

A strong area of low pressure has emerged fro

29 Apr 2025 3:30 AM