Changing climate could lengthen Illinois tornado season

A tornado near Abingdon, Ill. (Credit: U.S. National Weather Service)

Jim Angel, Illinois’ state climatologist, is predicting a longer tornado season for the state if current climate trends continue, according to Medill Reports Chicago. Most of Illinois’ tornadoes occur in springtime or early summer, but he says more could be seen year round.

Angel says that warmer temperatures, up by an average of 4 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit, will likely lengthen summers. When combined with weather models that predict increased precipitation in historically cold months, he says there will likely be more moisture and warmth, creating ideal tornado conditions.

Other predicted weather patterns are similar. Angel expects growing seasons to shift across the state and says Southern Illinois may have to deal with more common droughts.

Image: A tornado near Abingdon, Ill. (Credit: U.S. National Weather Service)