Severe Weather Season Guide 2026
Understand severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and how to stay safe. Learn to read SPC outlooks, know when to shelter, and track dangerous storms.
Mar-Jun
Peak Season
1,200+
US Tornadoes/Year
4PM-9PM
Peak Activity Time
Understanding SPC Outlooks
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issues outlooks up to 8 days in advance. The Day 1 outlook is the most detailed, showing specific risk areas for severe weather.
MRGL
Marginal Risk
Isolated severe storms possible
SLGT
Slight Risk
Scattered severe storms possible
ENH
Enhanced Risk
Numerous severe storms likely
MDT
Moderate Risk
Widespread severe storms expected
HIGH
High Risk
Major outbreak expected (rare)
The Four Ingredients for Severe Storms
Moisture, instability, and lift support thunderstorm development. The fourth ingredient, wind shear, helps organize storms and supports rotating updrafts. Severe weather can also occur in storms with weaker shear.
Moisture
Humid air near the surface provides fuel for thunderstorms.
Instability
Warm air below cold air creates rising motion.
Lift
Fronts or drylines force air upward to start storms.
Wind Shear
Changing winds create rotation for supercells.
Watches vs. Warnings
Understanding the difference between watches and warnings can save your life. Warnings require immediate action.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in the watch area. Be prepared to take action.
- • Stay informed with weather updates
- • Have a plan ready
- • Keep devices charged
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A severe thunderstorm is occurring or imminent. Winds 58+ mph and/or hail 1"+ diameter expected.
- • Move indoors immediately
- • Stay away from windows
- • Be ready to shelter for tornado
Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible in the watch area. Be prepared to move to a safe location quickly.
- • Know your safe room location
- • Watch the sky for rotation
- • Keep weather radio on
Tornado Warning
A tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar. TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.
- • Move to basement or interior room NOW
- • Get under sturdy furniture
- • Protect your head
Tornado Safety
Tornado risk peaks at different times depending on where you live. The tornado season guide breaks down regional timing, the EF scale, and the warning signs worth knowing.
Where to Shelter
- BEST:Basement or underground storm cellar
- GOOD:Interior room on lowest floor (bathroom, closet)
- AVOID:Windows, doors, outside walls, vehicles
- NEVER:Mobile homes - leave for sturdy shelter
If Caught Outside
- ✓Seek a sturdy building immediately
- ✓If in a car and tornado is far away, drive away at right angles to its path
- ✓As a last resort, lie flat in a low spot and cover your head. Avoid water and places where flooding could develop
- ✗Never shelter under an overpass
Track Severe Weather with WeatherAI
Live Radar
NEXRAD Level 3 radar (Pro, US sites) with velocity products, rotation detection, and storm motion vectors.
SPC Outlooks
View convective outlooks out to Day 8, with risk areas highlighted on the map.
Push Alerts
Watches and warnings for your saved locations arrive as push notifications once they are issued. Most are normal notifications that a Focus or silent mode can hold back, but with Critical Alerts on (iPhone and iPad), tornado warnings, flash flood emergencies, and extreme wind warnings break through.
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Estimate cloud base height from temperature and dew point spread.
Glossary
CAPE
Convective Available Potential Energy, a measure of atmospheric instability and thunderstorm potential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is severe weather season?
What is the difference between a Tornado Watch and Warning?
What do the SPC outlook risk levels mean?
What are the four ingredients for severe thunderstorms?
Where is the safest place during a tornado?
More Seasonal Guides
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Hurricane Season Guide
Tropical timing, categories, cone basics, and preparedness planning.
Seasonal Guide
Tornado Season Guide
Peak timing by region, warning signals, and tornado safety planning.
Seasonal Guide
Winter Weather Guide
Snow, ice, wind chill, and how to plan around winter storm risk.
Be Storm Ready for 2026
Download WeatherAI for real-time severe weather tracking, SPC outlook maps, push alerts, and AI-powered storm insights.