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U.S. has world's highest tornado risk. Here's why.
Capital Weather Gang
U.S. has world’s highest tornado risk. Here’s why.
Most of Earth’s tornadoes occur in mid-latitudes, which puts the Lower 48 in the center of that not-so-sweet ordinate zone
By Jim Duncan
Today at 11:51 a.m. EST
Friday night’s cataclysmic quad-state tornado outbreak reminds us of the vulnerability of our country to tornadoes and how the threat of these destructive storms looms menacingly real over the eastern two-thirds of the United States during any season of the year.
We’re not alone, as tornadoes happen in other parts of the world, too. But by sheer numbers (about 1,200 on average per year), the United States has the dubious honor of residing at the top of the list.
The broad expanse of our country of course plays a significant role — more area equals more opportunity. But it is our geography and juxtaposition on the continent that provides the fuel for increased risk. What makes the United States so special?
Tornadoes tend to form where cold, dry air clashes with warm, humid air. These contrasts are maximized over the mid-latitudes, where the majority of Earth’s tornadoes occur. A good-size portion of the Lower 48 sits smack-dab in the center of that not-so-sweet ordinate zone. Add in the proximity to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, mid-level dry air sloping down from the Rockies, plus unfettered access to cold air from northern environs (particularly notable due to the flat topography of the Great Plains), and you bring together a nearly perfect set of otherwise harmless ingredients that can suddenly become a volatile mix of atmospheric terror.
[December tornadoes aren’t rare, but Friday’s outbreak was something totally different]
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center online Tornado FAQ by Roger Edwards, there are more tornadoes in the United States than any other part of the world, though the author notes the data from other nations is problematic to assess since it’s comparatively sparse and collected differently by each country.
{snip}
Jim Duncan recently retired from his 40-year career as chief meteorologist with NBC12 WWBT-TV in Richmond. He runs a meteorological consulting firm, Jim Duncan, LLC, serving clients in media, education and other industries.
Gift Article
https://wapo.st/3ISeCMz
U.S. has world’s highest tornado risk. Here’s why.
Most of Earth’s tornadoes occur in mid-latitudes, which puts the Lower 48 in the center of that not-so-sweet ordinate zone
By Jim Duncan
Today at 11:51 a.m. EST
Friday night’s cataclysmic quad-state tornado outbreak reminds us of the vulnerability of our country to tornadoes and how the threat of these destructive storms looms menacingly real over the eastern two-thirds of the United States during any season of the year.
We’re not alone, as tornadoes happen in other parts of the world, too. But by sheer numbers (about 1,200 on average per year), the United States has the dubious honor of residing at the top of the list.
The broad expanse of our country of course plays a significant role — more area equals more opportunity. But it is our geography and juxtaposition on the continent that provides the fuel for increased risk. What makes the United States so special?
Tornadoes tend to form where cold, dry air clashes with warm, humid air. These contrasts are maximized over the mid-latitudes, where the majority of Earth’s tornadoes occur. A good-size portion of the Lower 48 sits smack-dab in the center of that not-so-sweet ordinate zone. Add in the proximity to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, mid-level dry air sloping down from the Rockies, plus unfettered access to cold air from northern environs (particularly notable due to the flat topography of the Great Plains), and you bring together a nearly perfect set of otherwise harmless ingredients that can suddenly become a volatile mix of atmospheric terror.
[December tornadoes aren’t rare, but Friday’s outbreak was something totally different]
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center online Tornado FAQ by Roger Edwards, there are more tornadoes in the United States than any other part of the world, though the author notes the data from other nations is problematic to assess since it’s comparatively sparse and collected differently by each country.
{snip}
Jim Duncan recently retired from his 40-year career as chief meteorologist with NBC12 WWBT-TV in Richmond. He runs a meteorological consulting firm, Jim Duncan, LLC, serving clients in media, education and other industries.
Gift Article
https://wapo.st/3ISeCMz