Research indicates that ‘Tornado Alley’ is migrating eastward. This raises questions about the cause and whether it impacts lower-speed winds. Could this shift be a result of climate warming?

Long-time resident Barry Zalph believes winds are increasing in Louisville, and others share this observation. On Reddit and via local reports, people have noted a surge in windstorms in the area. Does this suggest broader trends in wind patterns?

To explore these questions, we conferred with Scott Gunter, a meteorologist specializing in extreme weather. Our discussion looked into the possibility that Tornado Alley might be extending into Kentucky due to warming climates.

This episode forms part of Nature Quest, our monthly segment driven by listener inquiries about climate and environmental changes. Have questions or observations? Send a voice memo with your name, location, and environmental observations to [email protected]. Your question might be addressed in our next Nature Quest.

Those curious about more weather and wind science can email their questions to [email protected].

Listen to every Short Wave episode without sponsorship and support NPR’s efforts by subscribing to Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn and Noor Gill, with editing by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones verified the facts, and the audio engineering was managed by Jimmy Keeley. Our Nature Quest theme music was composed and produced by Sam Paulson.