See What April Can Bring: Tornadoes, Snow, Storms

April can bring a wide range of weather conditions as temperatures warm up. Severe storms, flooding and snow are likely to happen due to the collision of seasons.

Now let’s take a closer look at what could possibly occur in April weather.

Temperatures get warmer

The average temperatures in many places increase noticeably from the beginning to the end of the month.


New York City experiences a rise in its temperatures, from 56 degrees on April 1 to 66 degrees on April 30.

Temperatures get warmer in April

The average high in Minneapolis increases by 15 degrees from the beginning of the month to the end of the month. Average lows here also rise.


The South, mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley and parts of the central Plains have seen the last freeze of the season. The majority of the Northeast, upper Midwest, and Intermountain West are expected to see the last freeze in Mid-May.

This April, much of the United State is likely to see warmer than average temperatures, especially in the central U.S.

Tornado risk rises

The increase in the temperatures means higher moisture and more common thunderstorms. The risk of a tornado is also increased, as ingredients for extreme weather are often available.


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Tornados often form when a low-pressure system accompanied by a strong, dip in the jet stream flows into the Plains, Midwest, or South.

In April, the highest tornado risk areas are southeastern Kansas, Oklahoma, and northern Texas eastward into parts of Alabama.

April Can Bring many weather conditions

March this year has experienced severe weather outbreaks. Last April was also very busy and saw a tornado outbreak on Easter. Hence, getting well prepared for severe weather now is important.

Possible flooding

Low-pressure systems are often active in April across the U.S and can bring rounds of rain.


The rains combined with snowmelt because of the warming temperatures can cause river flooding. Moreover, thunderstorms getting common can also result in flash flooding.


According to NOAA's spring flood outlook, flooding is forecasted to be moderate, with and no areas having over 50% chance of major flooding for the first time in three years. It is expected that precipitation this April will be near or below average for most of the U.S., especially in Southern and Western parts.

Snow is still possible

Despite a rise in temperatures in April, it can still snow, especially in the higher elevations of the West. April is the snowiest month in some places: Breckenridge, Colorado; Casper, Wyoming; and Mount Rushmore, South Dakota.

See What April Can Bring: Tornadoes, Snow, Storms

Denver may also experience some heavy snowfall in April. Snow is expected to start in early April in parts of the interior Northeast.

Tropical Storms Can Develop in the Atlantic

Though the official season of the Atlantic hurricane starts on June 1, tropical cyclones can sometimes develop earlier.


There have been two tropical storms developing in the Atlantic in April. Ana occurred in 2003, and Arlene developed in 2017. April 1992 also saw a subtropical storm. However, no Atlantic hurricanes have been recorded during April.


The conditions are usually unfavorable for tropical growth in April, but sometimes an area with the right environmental conditions emerges and a tropical cyclone can form.

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