Impacts of urban heat islands on strong tornadoes

Abstract

This illustrative analysis of urban heat islands (URIs) and nearby tornadoes aims to provide insight into the possibility of UHIs interacting with tornadoes/tornadic storms. All tornadoes between 1998 and 20 I 3 were used in this study in order to identify if this phenomenon is, statistically, occurring. Thirteen urban areas and surrounding, major suburbs were then selected for further analysis. Tornadoes impacting these urban/suburban areas were then categorized and evaluated to gain a better understanding of how tornadoes act in urban environments. While there does seem to be a higher number of tornadoes, particularly strong tornadoes (EF-3+), occurring in and around urban areas, the reason for this has yet to be determined.