While May is typically the peak severe weather month of the year, current patterns suggest a quieter month ahead after April’s massive stretch of destructive storms. Severe storms will remain possible, but the upcoming shift in the broader pattern could result in conditions that are less extreme than recent weeks. FOX Weather Meteorologist Michael Estime breaks down this shift and what it really means for May:
Looking ahead to May, we typically see a rise in both the coverage and intensity of severe weather. On average, May experiences the highest number of tornadoes, around 278, which is nearly 80 more than April.
However, forecasts indicate that the highly active pattern seen throughout April is likely to weaken this coming month.
BREWING COASTAL STORM MAY SLAM THE NORTHEAST WITH WEEKEND WASHOUT RIGHT BEHIND EVEN MORE HEAVY RAIN
Although severe storms are still likely during May, the prolonged stretches of extreme weather may not be as significant as in recent weeks.
(FOX Weather)
April was a remarkable month for severe storms and heavy rainfall across much of the central United States. In this month alone, there have been more than 260 reported tornadoes, with the highest concentration centered over the Midwest.
FAMILY-OWNED SHOP DESTROYED IN EF-4 TORNADO IN OKLAHOMA
Tornado sirens blared across Indianapolis during a Severe Thunderstorm Warning Friday afternoon. Police said wind gusts were strong enough to knock down several trees onto local roads. A 59 mph wind gust was clocked at Indianapolis International Airport last Friday evening.
Of the 260 reported tornadoes this month, 75 have been confirmed across seven states in just the last week.
This outbreak was headlined by a significant EF-4 tornado that struck Enid, Oklahoma this past Thursday, April 23. The tornado had peak winds of 170 to 175 mph and prompted a rare Tornado Emergency that same evening.
A powerful tornado struck Enid last Thursday, potentially causing structural damage. Authorities say some residents may be injured and trapped in their homes and shelters.
In the days that followed, numerous additional tornadoes were confirmed across the Central U.S.
SEE IT: DESTRUCTIVE STORMS SLAM TEXAS, LEAVING 2 DEAD AS SEVERE WEATHER SWEEPS REGION
This multi-day stretch also brought the full range of severe weather hazards, including large hail — some golf-ball-sized — and damaging winds, leaving communities reeling from widespread destruction. Families were displaced, structures were destroyed, and a few injuries were reported, including two fatalities.
-
Tornado damage in Mineral Wells, Texas, on April 28, 2026.
(Caden Hogue) -
Tornado damage in Mineral Wells, Texas, on April 28, 2026.
(Caden Hogue) -
Tornado damage in Mineral Wells, Texas, on April 28, 2026.
(Caden Hogue) -
Tornado damage in Mineral Wells, Texas, on April 28, 2026.
(Caden Hogue) -
Tornado damage in Mineral Wells, Texas, on April 28, 2026.
(Caden Hogue) -
Tornado damage in Mineral Wells, Texas, on April 28, 2026.
(Danielle Josh Ford) -
-
Severe weather brings down trees in Milwaukee Monday afternoon.
(WITI) -
Severe storms devastated Glasgow, Missouri, prompting a state of emergency.
(Glasgow Fire District/Facebook) -
A powerful tornado hit Glasgow, Missouri, causing extensive damage.
(Glasgow Fire District/Facebook) -
Glasgow, Missouri was hit by tornado on April 27, causing damage throughout the town.
(Glasgow Fire District/Facebook) -
Glasgow, Missouri was hit by tornado on April 27, causing damage throughout the town.
(Glasgow Fire District/Facebook) -
Severe storms take down tree limbs in Moberly, Missouri, early Monday, April 27.
(DaveSamuel55/X)
Additionally, over the course of the month, there were four days with a Level 4 out of 5 severe storm risk, including a seven-day stretch with a Level 3 out of 5 risk. This marked the longest span since May 2024, when there were eight consecutive days.
(FOX Weather)
This severe surge was driven by a large-scale pattern featuring a pronounced dip in the jet stream across the West and a ridge over the East, the FOX Forecast Center said.
This setup allowed storms to track from the West into the Plains and then push northward into the Midwest.
As we transition from April into May, both the coverage and intensity of severe storms typically increase. On average, May experiences the highest number of tornadoes, with the greatest risk once again concentrated in the central Plains and the Midwest.
(FOX Weather)
However, looking ahead to the upcoming month, the active pattern seen throughout April will likely weaken.
A ridge in the jet stream is expected to develop over the West, bringing warmer and somewhat drier conditions. Meanwhile, a dip in the jet stream over the East and Northeast will allow cooler air to settle in.
This change in the broader pattern could result in a quieter month than April. Severe storms are still likely in May, but extended periods of extreme weather may be less pronounced than in recent weeks.
(FOX Weather)
Long-range forecasts from the Climate Prediction Center for May point to above-average temperatures across the South and West. They also indicate higher-than-average precipitation in the Southern Plains, while most other regions are expected to experience near-average conditions.
