Tornadoes

050-09-05Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm (usually a Cumulonimbus or large Cumulus) to the ground.

Severe F5 Tornado

Characteristics

  • Formation: Typically associated with severe thunderstorms, especially supercells. They require great instability and strong vertical wind shear (warm, moist air at the surface, cold, dry air aloft).
  • Funnel Cloud: This is the initial stage, when the vortex descends from the cloud but does not yet touch the ground. It becomes a tornado upon making contact with the surface.
  • Dimensions:
    • Average diameter: Around 100 meters.
    • Maximum: Can reach 300 meters or more in extreme cases.
  • Rotation Speed: Winds around the core can exceed 200 knots.
  • Movement Speed: The tornado moves over the ground at a typical speed of 20 to 40 knots.
  • Duration: Generally short, less than 10 minutes, although they can last up to 30 minutes.
  • Pressure: The core of the tornado is an area of extremely low pressure.

Global Occurrence

  • United States ("Tornado Alley"): The region with the highest global incidence (average > 1000 tornadoes/year). This is due to the frequent clash between warm tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold polar air from Canada.
  • Europe: Tornadoes do occur (approx. 300/year), but they are generally less frequent, of lower intensity, and smaller diameter (100-150 m) than in the USA.
  • Global: Can form almost anywhere on Earth if conditions are suitable.

Related Phenomena

  • Dust Devil: A small vortex that forms from the ground upwards due to strong surface heating (thermal). Occurs on hot, dry days, without the need for storm clouds.
  • Waterspout: A tornado that occurs over water.