Thunderstorm Climatology
Where are thunderstorms most common?
In the United States, thunderstorms are most common over the Florida Peninsula and the southeast plains of Colorado have the highest frequency of thunderstorms. Small thunderstorms occur about once a year in Alaska and 2-3 times a year in the Pacific Northwest.
Where are severe thunderstorms most common?
The greatest severe weather threat in the U.S. extends from Texas to southern Minnesota. But, no place in the United States is completely immune to the threats of severe weather.
When are thunderstorms most likely?
Thunderstorms are most likely to happen in the spring and summer months and during the afternoon and evening hours, but can occur year-round and at all hours.
Along the Gulf Coast and across the southeastern and western states, most thunderstorms occur during the afternoon.
Thunderstorms frequently occur in the late afternoon and at night in the Plains states
Thunder and lightning can occasionally accompany snow or freezing rain!
HOW DOES NSSL CONTRIBUTE?
An NSSL scientist developed the Severe Thunderstorm Climatology to determine the probability of occurrance of severe weather events such as tornadoes, hail and thunderstorm winds.
In a project to estimate the likelihood of severe weather hazards in the U.S., an NSSL scientist compiled severe weather statistics for the entire country. (Severe thunderstorms are defined in the U.S. as having either torndoes, gusts at least 58 mph, or hail at least ¾ inch in diameter.)
There are three primary kinds of information available:
- The average number of days per year with the event occurring within 25 miles of any point.
- Animated loops of the probability of severe weather occurring within 25 miles of any point on a particular day with images once per week through the year.
- Graphs showing the annual cycle of the probability of severe weather occurring within 25 miles at any point you select.