Written by Jenny Hagan West Central Online

After several weeks of tornado reports and severe weather across Saskatchewan, many residents are asking whether this year is more extreme than usual.

So far, Saskatchewan has seen 27 confirmed tornadoes this year, and another five pending confirmation, making it a busier-than-average season.

The province typically records about 14 to 17 tornadoes in a year, though much more active seasons have happened before.

While this year has already surpassed the annual average, it has not yet reached record territory.

In 2012, Saskatchewan recorded 33 tornadoes. In 1999, 41 tornadoes were recorded across the province.

By comparison, 2023 was a record-low year, with only one recorded tornado in Saskatchewan.

In previous years, parts of the province were dealing with drought, which helped limit the amount of severe thunderstorm and tornado activity.

This year, moisture has returned to many areas, adding fuel for storms and helping create a more active severe weather pattern.

Moisture, heat and strong wind shear can all work together to support powerful thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.

With 27 confirmed tornadoes already, Saskatchewan could come close to one of its more active seasons if the severe weather pattern continues.

However, reaching the 1999 record of 41 tornadoes would likely require the season to remain active into August.

For now, the season is considered busy, but not unprecedented.