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Significant Tornado Parameter

A combined index of CAPE, shear, SRH, and LCL height.

RAP significant tornado parameter map of the southern Plains showing a corridor of values above 4 from central Texas into Oklahoma and Kansas — Significant tornado parameter (fixed layer) showing a favorable corridor across the southern Plains, from the RAP model. Init: Tue 2025-04-01 03z, valid Wed 2025-04-02 08z.

What the map shows

Where ingredients overlap for strong tornadoes.

How to read the colors

Values above 1 are notable; higher values are more favorable.

Common mistakes

Reading STP as a tornado forecast — it only shows ingredients if storms form.

Key terms

Supercell LCL CAPE Significant Tornado Parameter

Open in Pivotal Weather

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