NWS: No tornadoes in Alabama in April 2012 | News

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- The National Weather Service says Alabama experienced a tornado-free month of April for the first time since 2004.

"This respite comes as an obvious relief to tornado-stricken citizens of Alabama, many of whom are still recovering from the devastating April 27, 2011 outbreak," John DeBlock with the NWS office in Birmingham.

The number of tornadoes during last April shattered the record for the most tornadoes in a single month in Alabama. So what's the cause of the difference between the number of tornadoes last year and this year?

DeBlock explained in a statement:

"While last year's pattern was favorable and active, for much of spring 2012 we have seen the presence of a pattern more like early summer, with warmer and drier than normal conditions across much of the southeast," DeBlock said. "A blocking pattern in the northern Atlantic has moved the polar/subtropical jets further northward, allowing for an expansive ridge/high pressure to remain in place over the southeastern conus for much of the season, with little chance of moving it over the next week or in the near future."

DeBlack said this particular weather pattern change, while reducing the threat of severe weather, has also been "conducive for short-term drought, which we would certainly be better without."

The NWS says it's still important to stay vigilant through the end of the spring peak tornado season, which continues through the end of May.

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