While we here in the Southeast are used to severe weather in every month of the year, this year is shaping up to be a big year for severe weather in the middle part of the country. The number of tornadoes that have occurred this year is one of the highest on record for the year to date. This is due to the persistent cold trough in the west and the warm ridge of high pressure in the east, which brings warm and humid air into the region just to the east of the divide between the cold and warm weather. Another factor is the end of the La Nina and the impending arrival of the next El Nino. Here is an article from Prairie Farmer that describes more about this year’s severe weather season and some things you should always have with you to protect yourself when severe weather threatens.
