Now that fall (autumn to some people) is upon us, we start thinking about cooler temperatures and finding food and drink that is pumpkin-flavored!
However, fall in Oklahoma also carries a threat for severe weather. In fact, the months of September, October and November are known as the "second severe weather season" in the state.
Our primary severe season runs from March through early June. During this stretch, Oklahoma averages 47 tornadoes, with May's average of 23 tornadoes the highest.
After a lull in tornadoes during the summer months of July and August, we see a slight increase in the average number of tornadoes during the fall. The second "season" of severe weather is much smaller than the spring season.
It is all thanks to the jet stream! In the spring, a strong jet stream is frequently over the Southern Plains and gives us the "upper-level" energy we need for severe weather and tornadoes.
As we transition to summer, the jet stream moves north and takes most of the tornado-producing severe weather with it. As we move into fall, the jet stream begins to dive back into the Southern Plains and brings the increased threat for tornadoes back into our area.
Here is a look at some Oklahoma tornado statistics for the months of September, October and November.
</p><p>September 2017 will go down as a quiet month for severe weather. Let's see how October and November fares...
