Introduction to the 2025 Severe Weather Season

The year 2025 has been marked by an unusually active severe weather season in the United States. From damaging winds and large hail to hundreds of tornadoes, the country has experienced more severe weather events than average. This article will delve into the details of the 2025 severe weather season, exploring the trends, impacts, and what the future might hold.

Overview of Severe Weather Events

There have been over 850 tornadoes in the U.S. this year so far, exceeding the average of around 650 tornadoes through May. The severe weather season, which continues into June, has brought significant damage and loss of life to various parts of the country.

What You Need To Know

• There have been over 850 tornadoes in the U.S. this year so far.
• The average through May is around 650 tornadoes.
• Severe weather season continues into June.

The severe weather season quickly ramped up in March in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys, as well as in the south. This trend continued into April, with the same areas experiencing significant severe weather events. May was particularly active, with a notable outbreak of tornadoes on the 16th that hit Missouri, southern Illinois, and Kentucky hard, including an EF4 tornado in London, Kentucky, which resulted in 19 fatalities.

2025 Tornadoes by EF Scale

• EFU (Undefined): 68
• EF0: 245
• EF1: 406
• EF2: 117
• EF3: 32
• EF4: 5
• EF5: 0
  A path of destroyed homes is seen, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in London, Ky., after a severe storm passed through the area. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Severe Weather Continues into June

The severe weather continued into June, with two major metro areas being hit by tornadoes early in the month. The Kansas City region experienced two tornadoes on the 3rd, followed by an EF1 tornado in the western suburbs of St. Louis the next day. The St. Louis area has seen 43 tornadoes so far this year, doubling its annual average of around 22 tornadoes, with 28% of these being strong to violent (EF2+).
De Soto, Missouri tornado on June 8, 2025. Photo by Noah Belleville

Average Number of Tornadoes

Spring is the most active season for tornadoes in the United States, but 2025 has been more active than average, with over 870 tornadoes across the country. On average, 650 tornadoes hit the country into the beginning of June. The average number of tornadoes broken down by month highlights the increased activity this year.

A Shift in "Tornado Alley"

The tornadoes in 2025 have been most prevalent east of the typical “tornado alley” region, which is in the plains. This year, tornadoes have been focused in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys, indicating a shift of 400 to 600 miles east of the “typical” tornado alley. Whether this shift is a trend due to climate change remains to be seen and will be a point of study over the next several years.

Conclusion

The 2025 severe weather season has been more active than average, with a significant increase in the number of tornadoes and a shift in the typical "tornado alley" region. As the season continues into the summer, the risk for severe weather remains, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prepared.

FAQs

• Q: How many tornadoes have occurred in the U.S. in 2025 so far?
  A: Over 850 tornadoes have been reported.
• Q: Is the 2025 severe weather season more active than average?
  A: Yes, it has been more active, especially with the number of tornadoes exceeding the average through May.
• Q: Has there been a shift in the typical "tornado alley" region in 2025?
  A: Yes, tornadoes have been more prevalent east of the typical region, focusing in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys.
• Q: What should individuals do to prepare for severe weather?
  A: Enable notifications and stay updated with the latest weather forecasts to plan for incoming inclement weather.