Tornado And Severe Weather Climatology And Predictability By Enso Phase In The North Central U.S.: A Compositing Study

Authors

Barbara E. Mayes, NOAA/NWS WFO Quad Cities IA/IL
Craig Cogil, NOAA/NWS WFO Des Moines
Glenn R. Lussky, NOAA/NWS WFO La Crosse
Jeffrey S. Boyne, NOAA/NWS WFO La Crosse
Richard S. Ryrholm, NOAA/NWS WFO Sioux Falls

Date of this Version

2006

Citation

American Meterorological Society, 23rd Conference on Severe Local Storms, Monday, 6 November 2006

Comments

U.S. Government Work

Abstract

Climatological factors, including the phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), are known predictors for parameters such as seasonal temperature and precipitation and tropical cyclone activity. ENSO phase also has a relationship to severe weather activity and may have utility in predicting anomalies in severe weather climatology, including the number of significant tornadoes and the number of tornado days. While not useful in daily severe weather operations and forecasting, determining the relationship between ENSO phase and severe weather climatology anomalies can aid preparedness for potentially active seasons among operational meteorologists, emergency managers, the media, and others with a role in preparing spotters and citizens for severe weather seasons.