An active 2026 tornado season is expected for the Central Plains, with approximately 15% more tornadoes than the 20-year average, according to the Kansas Institute of Tornado Dynamics (KITD).
Factors influencing this forecast include persistent La Niña conditions, warmer-than-average Gulf of Mexico sea surface temperatures, and an intensified low-level jet stream.
During the 2026 tornado season, it’s expected that 1,450-1,600 tornadoes will occur across the United States.
A risky time for tornado development will be between April 15 and June 10, 2026, KITD said.
High-risk regions include Central Oklahoma, Eastern Kansas, and Northern Texas.
There’s a 22% higher chance of EF3 or greater than during the 2025 season, the institute said.
Topics Catastrophe USA Natural Disasters Windstorm
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Berkely Says It’s No Longer Pressured to Push for Rate ‘Across the Board’ 
Navigators Can’t Parse ‘Additional Insured’ Policy Wording in Georgia Explosion Case 
Opportunity for Private Flood Insurers With Threat of Another NFIP Lapse 
Progressive Q4 Income Up 25%; CFO Sauerland to Retire in July 
