Key Weather Elements to Look for in the Month of April

April is in full swing along with its volatile weather patterns. What does the fourth month of the year typically hold for weather and what should you expect this month in particular based on the latest forecast modeling? Read on for all of the details.

Uptick in Tornadic Activity

The month of April is notorious for the uptick of tornadic activity that happens as the frequency of low-pressure systems meet with the warm and moisture-rich air coming up from the Gulf of Mexico. The clash of the energy from the southward dip in the jet stream and this influx of moisture triggers the severe thunderstorms that can go on to produce tornadoes.

In addition to the twisters, the frequent thunderstorms also generate large hail, destructive winds, and flooding rainfall. Right on time, the start of this month of April has already seen a rash of these severe impacts across the central U.S.

Going back to 2004, April has averaged 202 tornadoes each month. These numbers are good enough to land in second place just behind May for the highest amount of confirmed tornadoes. April of 2024 was particularly busy with 356 tornadoes.

However, there is also the chance that the month could end up on a docile note. For instance, the year 2021 only saw 78 tornadoes during this month. The unpredictability of the weather patterns during the early spring season mean that you can expect a little bit of everything.