As severe weather season kicks into gear across the United States, meteorologists at AccuWeather have released their predictions for the 2025 tornado season. While the overall number of tornadoes is expected to be slightly lower than the record-breaking 2024 season, forecasters warn that severe weather could be especially intense outside of the traditional Tornado Alley.
Shifting Tornado Hotspots: More Activity East of Tornado Alley
AccuWeather Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok emphasizes that while tornadoes will still occur in the Plains, the Mississippi Valley could see significantly more severe weather activity. A persistent high-pressure system over the Southwest may suppress thunderstorm development in parts of the Plains, while unusually warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico will fuel storms further east.
Regions such as the Mississippi, Tennessee, and western Ohio Valleys are expected to experience frequent and intense storms in the coming months. This shift in tornado activity underscores the importance of preparedness for areas that may not be accustomed to frequent severe weather outbreaks.
Tornado Activity to Ramp Up in April and May
The peak of tornado season traditionally occurs between April and May, and 2025 is expected to follow a similar trend. AccuWeather’s forecast predicts:
- 75 to 150 tornadoes in March
- 200 to 300 tornadoes in April
- 250 to 350 tornadoes in May
These projections suggest a near- or above-average tornado season compared to the 30-year historical average. A shift in the overall weather pattern in May is expected to increase the risk of severe thunderstorms across the Midwest, the mid-Atlantic, and parts of the traditional Tornado Alley.
Derecho Threat: The Rise of Inland Hurricanes
In addition to tornadoes, meteorologists are warning about an increased risk of derechos—long-lived, fast-moving storms that can produce widespread wind damage. Often described as “inland hurricanes,” derechos have the potential to cause devastation across large areas. While it is still early to pinpoint where these storms may develop, forecasters are leaning toward the central Plains and mid-Mississippi Valley as the most likely locations.
Projected Tornado Count for 2025
The 2024 tornado season set a high bar, with 1,855 tornadoes reported, including over 500 in May alone. While 2025 is not expected to reach those extreme numbers, AccuWeather predicts a total of 1,300 to 1,450 tornadoes for the year. This is still above the historical average of 1,225, highlighting the continued risk of severe storms.
Preparation Is Key
Now is the time for residents across the country to prepare for tornado season. AccuWeather urges people to have a tornado safety plan in place and to assemble an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and first aid supplies. Although the bulk of tornadoes in 2025 are expected to hit the central and southern U.S., history shows that tornadoes can occur in almost any state. In 2024, tornadoes were reported in every contiguous U.S. state except Nevada, Vermont, and Maine.
As spring progresses, staying informed and having a preparedness plan can make all the difference in staying safe during severe weather outbreaks. Be sure to monitor AccuWeather updates and heed all local weather alerts to stay ahead of potential storms.