I think.... It's because the cold north is still cold, cold as it ever was. But the tropics are hotter than normal for the time of year. High pressure systems are created which stall low pressure systems so the wind blows, dragging in warm moist air condensing against the cold air, and it stays there for days, weeks instead of moving off and away. Also the difference between the hot and the cold, and high pressure and low pressure, brings stronger winds (as in OK), or different winds when compaired with what we are used to. Also bigger pressure systems drag warm or cold air from further away than normal (more cold, or more hot) creating more extreme conditions on land.

Actually this year hasn't been that bad, the season started late and the number of actual tornados is down, at least that's how it seems. The difference is that the big tornados have hit densely populated areas, which is the nightmare scenario. A big tornado tearing up crops in the middle of nowhere probably doesn't even make national news.

My prayers are with everyone in the OKC area. Terrible stuff.

Tornado season is mostly spring. We had a late start to the tornadoes, but they have been catching up for lost time. They are confirming 5 dead from last night. Mostly from people in cars trying to leave.

Here's an article with some actual numbers. We are actually significantly down this year.

Has it been an active tornado season? You may be surprised by the answer | Globalnews.ca

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