Rare February Tornadoes Possible in Miami Valley

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

While February is not part of the typical severe weather season in the Miami Valley region of Ohio, the area has still seen several tornadoes in the month over the past decade. Though rare, the combination of warm air, instability, and the right wind conditions can occasionally produce twisters this early in the year.

Why it matters

Understanding the potential for severe weather, even in the winter months, helps residents in the Dayton area stay prepared and vigilant for rapidly changing weather conditions that could spawn dangerous storms.

The details

The Miami Valley, which includes the Dayton metro area, averages about 26 tornadoes per year since 1950, with the peak season being from mid-March through May. However, there have been 6 confirmed tornadoes in the region during the month of February since 2010, with 4 of those occurring since 2023. While tornadoes in February are the exception rather than the rule, the right atmospheric conditions can still produce them, especially when warm, moist air interacts with cold fronts moving through the area.

• Since 2010, there have been 6 confirmed tornadoes in the Miami Valley during the month of February.
• 4 of those 6 February tornadoes have occurred since 2023.

What’s next

The next potential for severe weather, including the possibility of tornadoes, is expected on Thursday evening into the overnight hours as a warm front moves through the area.