May & June Prime For Colorado Tornadoes, But Which Hour Is Most Common?

DENVER (CBS4) - Mesmerizing and photogenic, yet dangerous and unpredictable. Tornadoes are part of Colorado's climate.

Between 1950-2014 there were 2,023 tornadoes recorded.

Data shows that sightings have been on the rise from just over 100 in the 1950s to over 400 during the last decade.

86 percent of all Colorado tornadoes occur between 1-8 p.m. but they're most common during the 5 p.m. hour.

Early morning and overnight tornadoes have been documented but they are not that common.

Tornadoes have been recorded during every hour of the day except 4, 5, and 8 a.m. since 1950, but a few tornadoes are mentioned in historic records around the 5 a.m. hour.

Colorado can see tornadoes anytime between February and October but sightings ramp up fast in late April and early May.

Tornado season peaks between June 1-10 and slowly declines heading into July and August.

Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.