Scientists Say Southeast Could Maybe Possibly Face More Extreme Storms Or Something

Maybe WRAL should have held off on this piece Monday afternoon, since the big storm basically fizzled. Yeah, we got some good rain, but, only got .79 inches, and the wind wasn’t that bad. Didn’t really see lightning here in Raleigh, never got a severe thunderstorm warning, no tornado warnings in the whole area despite being at a “level 4” threat. And none of the news stations talking about anything bad

Why scientists say the Southeast could face more severe storm outbreaks

Severe storms swept across central North Carolina on Monday. Scientists say the setup highlights a broader shift researchers are watching across the Southeast.

“For the first time in five years, our area is under a Level 4 risk out of 5,” WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said. “This indicates that severe storms could be widespread, including damaging wind gusts and tornadoes.”

So, this happens? Yes. I’ve been in NC since 1985, and we get severe weather. Surprise! It’s like saying Buffalo gets snow

While spring outbreaks are not unusual, research shows some of the atmospheric ingredients that fuel severe storms are becoming more common across parts of the eastern United States.

A Climate Central analysis shows a rise in atmospheric instability across the eastern half of the country since 1979 — a key factor that can intensify thunderstorms. In parts of the eastern U.S., the number of days each year with high instability has increased by as many as 10 to 15 days during peak storm seasons. (big snip)

Scientists say linking any single tornado directly to climate change remains difficult because tornado formation depends heavily on small-scale conditions.

“The link between climate change and tornadoes is very complex,” Houser said. “It’s not easy to attribute a specific tornado directly to climate change.”

Instead, researchers study how the large-scale environments that support severe storms are changing.

See? All your fault!