USA, May 23, 2025 – April 2025 delivered a dangerous mix of extreme weather across the United States, with deadly tornadoes, record warmth in the Southeast, and worsening drought in parts of the West and Hawaii, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
A slow-moving storm system early in the month triggered over 150 tornadoes across the South and Midwest, resulting in widespread flooding, dozens of injuries, and at least 24 fatalities. Meanwhile, large portions of the West, South, and East experienced dry and unseasonably warm conditions, contributing to wildfire risk and expanding drought.
The average temperature across the contiguous U.S. (CONUS) in April was 53.6°F—2.6°F above the historical average—ranking among the warmest on record. The Southeast saw particularly intense heat: North Carolina and Virginia logged their second-warmest April, while Georgia and South Carolina had their third- and fourth-warmest, respectively.
Puerto Rico experienced heavy late-April rainfall, leading to flash floods and landslides. Alaska recorded its second-wettest April on record and its fourth-warmest year-to-date, while Hawaii experienced below-average rainfall and rising drought concerns.
Nationwide precipitation averaged 2.82 inches, slightly above normal, with wetter-than-average conditions from the southern Plains to the Great Lakes. Kentucky recorded its second-highest April rainfall on record, with Oklahoma and Missouri also seeing near-record totals. However, January–April precipitation overall remained below average.
By the end of April, about 37% of the contiguous U.S. was in drought—down from earlier in the month—but conditions worsened across the Southwest, northern High Plains, Florida, and Hawaii. NOAA forecasts suggest continued warmth into May, with elevated wildfire risks in the Southwest, upper Mississippi Valley, and coastal Mid-Atlantic.
NOAA’s full April 2025 Climate Report is available online, along with updates on drought and fire conditions.
