The 2025 tornado season in the United States has emerged as one of the most active in over a decade, with more tornado reports logged by the end of June than in any year since 2011.
This surge is primarily due to several major tornado outbreaks earlier in the year, making 2025 a record-breaking year for tornado activity.
As of June 29, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) recorded 1,296 tornadoes, surpassing the historical average by 338 tornadoes, which is 38% above the typical total of 958 tornadoes by the same point in previous years.
This makes 2025 one of the most active years for tornadoes, far outpacing last year’s count, although 2024 came very close, only 9 reports behind.
Hard-Hit States in 2025
Several states have been particularly impacted by the surge in tornado activity:
- Texas: 145 tornadoes reported
- Illinois: 130 tornadoes reported
- Missouri: 117 tornadoes reported
- Mississippi: 101 tornadoes reported
These four states have consistently been among the hardest hit since the end of April, with Texas taking the lead this month, as expected given its large size.
Notable Changes vs. 2024
When comparing to last year, there have been some notable changes:
- Wyoming and Oregon, both of which saw numerous tornado reports by the end of June in 2024, have reported no tornadoes this year.
- Iowa, which reported 118 tornadoes last year by June, has seen a sharp drop this year with only 16 tornadoes as of June 2025.
- On the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi has reported over 100 tornadoes this year, compared to just 25 at the same point last year.
- North Dakota, with only two tornadoes reported by June 2024, has seen a significant uptick this year, reporting 34 tornadoes by the end of June 2025.
The Role of Major Tornado Outbreaks
The surge in tornado activity can be largely attributed to five major tornado outbreaks in March and April, with another 160+ tornado reports in mid-May.
While no significant tornado outbreaks were reported in late May or June, tornado reports have continued to increase steadily throughout the year.
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Understanding the Numbers
The tornado data mentioned is preliminary, filtered by the SPC, and may be subject to revisions. These numbers include all reported tornado sightings, and some may be merged or reclassified after damage surveys are conducted.
Tornadoes that cross state lines are counted only in the state where their tracks began. Final, official numbers are usually published more than a year after the season concludes, based on thorough ground surveys by NOAA.
2025: On Track for an Intense Season
Given the preliminary data, 2025 appears to be on track to rival some of the most intense tornado seasons in U.S. history, significantly above the historical average and still showing active trends through the summer months.
What do you think of the tornado season in 2025? Have you experienced any extreme weather conditions in your area this year? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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