Unraveling the Tornado: Real-World Science Meets Hollywood’s Twisters

Recent research highlights how electromagnetic forces influence tornado formation. Doppler radar, a critical tool in storm detection, uses radio waves to map tornado dynamics, offering vital lead times for communities. Infrared radiation, emitted from Earth's surface, plays a pivotal role in atmospheric heating and convection, fueling tornado activity. Lightning, a natural companion to severe thunderstorms, contributes broad-spectrum electromagnetic radiation, enhancing the conditions for tornado development.