Meteorologists puzzled by unusual Midwestern tornado activity

An uptick in tornado formation across the Midwest is defying typical seasonal patterns and confounding weather forecasters' ability to predict the phenomenon.

First covered Aug 24, 2026 · 1:15 AM PT · 1 article · no longer in the live window

Meteorologists puzzled by unusual Midwestern tornado activity — Image via grist.org

Coverage

33d Grist Even meteorologists are baffled by the Midwestern tornado season

Primary sources

nesdis.noaa.gov What Causes Tornadoes?

More coverage from around the web

accuweather.com New severe weather outbreak with tornadoes unfolding for Illinois, large part of Midwest

kcur.org Tornado season breaking records as Tornado Alley moves east | KCUR - Kansas City news and NPR

ipmnewsroom.org Tornadoes are breaking records in new Midwest states this year as Tornado Alley moves east - IPM Newsroom

wpr.org Tornadoes are breaking records in Midwest states as Tornado Alley moves east - WPR

cbsnews.com Tornadoes and severe storms slam Midwest, killing at least 1 - CBS News

Appeared in: 2026-08-24 (#16) · 2026-08-25 (#20)

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