Arkansas and Missouri could see fewer tornadoes this spring thanks to conditions in the Pacific Ocean. The National Weather Service says a strong El Nino is in place and will remain in place during the spring which historically has meant fewer tornadoes than when La Nina is present.
El Nino and La Nina refer to sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. El Nino means the temperatures are warmer than normal according to Dylan Cooper, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in North Little Rock, who says the oceans have a great impact on our weather.
He says with El Nino in place, historic data shows the area sees fewer than average tornadoes.
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The pattern is expected to flip later this year, and the spring of 2025 could be the opposite of this year.
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Arkansas averages 37 tornadoes during the spring months.
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