As of mid-May, both southern Illinois and Missouri have recorded tornado numbers more than three times their historical year-to-date averages.
Southern Illinois has seen 56 tornadoes compared to an average of 17, while Missouri has experienced 58—up from a typical 18 for this point in the year.
First Warn Weather reports this dramatic spike is not just a statistical anomaly—it reflects a broader shift in atmospheric behavior this spring.
Contributing factors include frequent and potent storm systems, persistent jet stream patterns, the early onset of tornado season and increased reporting and technology.
Weather experts say the elevated tornado count is a serious reminder that we are in the heart of a volatile season. Whether you’re in the city or a rural area, this year has shown that tornadoes are not just possible—they are increasingly likely.
