The Impact of Climate Change on Tornadoes: Insights and Challenges.

Climate change is altering the frequency, intensity, and location of tornadoes, with records indicating a shift eastward from the traditional areas of the Midwest known as "tornado alley." Severe thunderstorm formation is also being impacted, with a key ingredient known as "CAPE" (convective available potential energy) now more likely to be found outside of the traditional tornado season of late spring/early summer. While the frequency of tornado activity in the US has been declining, the peak occurrence has shifted to earlier in the spring, and an increase in "out-of-season" events is consistent with climate model projections.