Why the End of El Niño Could Mean MORE Tornadoes in Iowa

Last spring, severe weather season came early. The Des Moines Register reports that in March of 2023, 206 tornadoes swept across the country, more than double the normal average. This severe weather season is shaping up to be much different, thanks in part to the weather pattern called El Niño.

The El Niño weather pattern is expected to conclude in the next two months. Until then, the Register reports that our current weather pattern causes waters in the Gulf of Mexico to stay cooler than normal, meaning fewer chances of a severe weather outbreak during March and early April. But as El Niño ends and the waters warm, the month of May could be a big month for tornadoes in the Midwest.

Meteorologists are warning that the second half of spring is of concern in 2024, according to the Register. While the total number of tornadoes in Iowa is expected to be at or near historic averages, Iowa could see far more twisters in late April and May than ever before.

The Register reports that Iowa saw 72 tornadoes touch down in the state in 2023, around 20 more than a normal year. However, there were no reported casualties in the state last year from those storms.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is next week. It's a great time to talk to your family and prepare what to do in case of severe weather, including tornadoes. Make sure your family knows what to do and where to go to stay safe. Spring in Iowa is here. The storms won't be far behind.