Storm Season in North Dakota: When to Relax and When to Run for Cover

Ahh, warmer temperatures have finally arrived! Hopefully, the snow has melted for the season, birds are chirping, and we can now venture outside without all those clothing layers! But before you get too comfortable, we can't forget what else comes with this season—severe weather. That’s right, wind, lightning, hail, and those swirling, twirling tornadoes are back on the radar!

Shake Off Winter—Severe Weather Season Is Coming!

If you're anything like me, your mind could still be in hibernation mode after a long winter. Having spent months worrying about frozen car doors and ice scrapers, we now need to turn our attention to warning sirens and storm shelters. Usually, the severe summer weather season in North Dakota starts at the end of April and lasts until early September and peaks from June through August, so while we are all enjoying more sun and better temps, now's a good time to at least start thinking about safety.

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Working at a radio station, we talk about the weather all the time. Trust me, I’ve had to go on air and announce tornado watches and warnings, and it’s always a serious moment. To turn on the microphone and announce a tornado warning has just been issued for Williams County, or our listening area, still gets the heart pounding!

If you’re unsure about the difference, here’s a quick refresher from the National Weather Service:

• Tornado Watch: Conditions are right for a tornado to form. This is your cue to be prepared and know where your safe place is—storm shelter, basement, or an interior hallway away from windows.

• Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted. This is NOT the time to debate whether you should finish your TV show first. Get to safety immediately!

So, as much as we all love the warmer weather, we can't let our guard down. Enjoy the sunshine, but keep an eye on the sky—because weather can, and does, change extremely fast.