Here’s Why October Is a Busy Month for Tornadoes in Oklahoma

It's common knowledge that the busiest months for tornadoes in Oklahoma are during storm season, which is March through June. But outside those months, one month in the fall has produced a record number of tornadoes: October.

For 2024, meteorologists across the country have predicted a second active storm season for Oklahoma this fall, especially in October. This past spring, Oklahoma witnessed an extremely active storm season, which broke several records. From January through July, Oklahoma had 110 confirmed tornadoes, including two EF4 tornadoes, four EF3, six EF2, 56 EF1, 27 EF0 and 15 EFU (unknown rating).

Oklahoma can receive tornadoes anytime of year, but there are certain months and season where the likelihood of a tornado forming is increased. Spring automatically comes to mind because it's when we see the most tornadoes and some of the biggest form. But autumn, especially the month of October, can't be left out.

Why does Oklahoma see more tornadoes in October?

During October, a secondary jet stream shifts south after being northbound during the summer months. This creates an active jet stream pattern, which produces deep winds for increased supercell production and large outbreaks of severe storms.

Since 1950, Oklahoma has seen a total of 195 tornadoes during the month of October. These tornadoes have not been significantly strong or violent when compared to spring tornadoes. But Oklahoma has seen some damaging tornadoes in October, including an F4 that struck Shawnee and Prague on Oct. 5, 170. Other strong tornadoes that formed in October include 19 EF2 tornadoes and seven EF3 tornadoes.

Oklahoma is expected to have a second active severe weather season this fall.

Because of the highly-active hurricane season, meteorologists are expecting this to impact fall severe weather, specifically in September and October for Oklahoma. These severe storms are expected to produce damaging wind gusts, hail and tornadoes.

Oklahoma has been known to produce a record number of tornadoes in October. In 2021, during a La Nina, Oklahoma recorded 28 tornadoes. The previous record was from October of 1998 with 27 tornadoes. Since 1950, Oklahoma has seen a total of 195 tornadoes in October. Comparing this year's tornado season to 2021, the hurricane season that year was the third-most active hurricane season on record, producing 21 named storms.