The Gulf of Mexico is very warm. That could mean a bad tornado season.
Water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico often enter the conversation during hurricane season, but they also play a role in tornado season each spring. Concern is growing for the potential impact that abnormally warm sea surface temperatures will have in the weeks and months ahead, with experts warily keeping tabs on what could be a busy tornado season.
Friday’s tornado outbreak in Mississippi and Alabama, which killed at least 24 people, coincided with gulf waters up to several degrees warmer than normal and as high as the upper 70s.
April, May and June are historically the most active for severe weather and tornadoes, with an average of 660 twisters spinning up within the three-month window. They materialize seemingly like clockwork, creeping north across the Deep South before swimming over the Plains and the nation’s heartland.
While considerable variability can occur year to year, there may be ties between gulf sea surface temperatures and the frequency and intensity of severe weather events in the U.S. Deep South in particular.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/03/22/tornado-spring-forecast-gulf-waters/
The warm Gulf waters could also portend a bad hurricane season ahead. Another storm hitting Florida like last year's Ian would really challenge Florida insurance providers and the DeSantis government's ability to respond adequately to the disaster.
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