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What causes a tornado to form?

Water vapor condenses, giving off energy.
Wind over ocean water forces water vapor upward.
A warm, moist air mass collides with a cold, dry air mass.
Air pressure changes suddenly, causing rapid air movement.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
A warm, moist air mass collides with a cold, dry air mass.

That collision creates strong thunderstorms. With sufficient wind shear and instability, a rotating updraft (mesocyclone) can form and tighten into a tornado. (Condensation/latent heat and pressure differences play supporting roles but aren’t the primary initiating cause listed.)