GMAO – US tornadoes

GMAO US Tornadoes

This animation of severe weather is based on simulated radar reflectivity and CAPE (convective available potential energy) from April 29 to May 31, 2024. These data were generated by the Goddard Earth Observing System Forward Processing (GEOS FP) model, an assimilated data product developed and maintained by NASA's Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO).

Cape and surface reflectivity are key ingredients in the accurate forecasting of severe convective weather. Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings issued by the NWS are represented here by red polygons.Regions of convective precipitation form along heightened CAPE values, igniting storms and causing most of the severe weather and helicity that occurred during this time period. Warning polygons in this animation are visible for 24 hours.