Climate Impact Report – 5/20

May 20, 2025

Key Facts Of The Day 5/20

On Tuesday and Wednesday, central and eastern areas of the U.S. face multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms that can produce strong tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail as big as tennis balls.
- There is a level 3 risk of tornadoes in parts of southern Kentucky, western and middle Tennessee, and portions of northern Mississippi and Alabama.
- Flash floods are likely, especially over portions of Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee, where the ground is already saturated from recent storms.
During the multiday severe weather outbreak that started last Thursday, more than 70 tornadoes, destructive hail, and powerful wind gusts caused damage across the middle of the country.
- At least 28 people have died and dozens more were injured.
- The deadly severe weather outbreak in the central U.S. caused an estimated $9 billion to $11 billion in total damage and economic loss.
- More than 700,000 homes and businesses across 12 states lost power during the height of the outbreak.
- More than 4,500 homes, businesses, and other buildings and structures along the tornado’s path were damaged or destroyed.
- On Monday, storms in Oklahoma downed power lines, damaged at least 10 homes, and destroyed a firehouse.
So far in 2025, there have been more than 820 preliminary reports of tornadoes, roughly 200 more than the historical average for this time of year.

As of Monday, the Greer Fire in Arizona has burned 20,324 acres and is 39% contained.
- Over 700 personnel have been assigned to battle the blaze.
- On Saturday, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency in Apache County due to the growing flames.
- Evacuations have been issued for Greer, South Fork, residents west of Highway 261, Eager, south of Highway 260 and west of River Road.
A new study found that, on average, between 1973 and 2024, the number of fire weather days rose by 37 in the Southwest and 21 in the West.
- Some areas, including parts of Texas, California, and New Mexico, now experience around two more months of fire weather per year compared to a half-century ago.

Cataracts, pink eye, and other ocular disorders are linked to heat, air pollution, and higher UV exposure.