Absence of EF5 tornadoes maybe because of damage assessments, not changes in weather patterns
Research published by the American Meteorological Society suggests the more than decade long drought of the strongest tornadoes is due to stricter use of damage ratings versus any type of change to Mother Nature. As of January 2025, the United States has endured a period of nearly 12 years without a twister receiving the EF5 rating, marking the longest gap since reliable tornado reports began in 1950.