Collectively, the U.S. has had the windiest Spring in 50 years with 473 tornadoes reported as of April 8th. Mississippi has had the highest number of tornadoes of any state, with 89 reported to date, followed by Missouri (55 reported). Spring is known for being windy and this year’s gusts were even more dramatic due to large variations in temperature over short distances. A maritime heat wave has added more humid air to the mix, causing wind and strong storms when it collides with cold air. Stronger winds increase the risk of tornadoes, contribute to more severe allergies, and cause dust storms.

Wind, or the movement of air, is caused by high- and low-pressure systems interacting with each other. The vertical movement of air is influenced by temperature, and when air masses of different temperatures collide with each other, strong storms can be produced.

Weather conditions, like higher humidity from a maritime heat wave and warmer temperatures contribute to more severe weather patterns and higher winds.

Wind patterns are impacted by many different factors on a global scale, and we are still learning how changing weather patterns combined with natural fluctuations in wind patterns will affect future weather.