What causes tornadoes?

Tornadoes form when warm, moist air collides with cold, dry air, creating an unstable atmosphere. The difference in temperature and wind speeds at different altitudes causes a horizontal rotation in the air. When a strong updraft tilts this rotation vertically, it forms a funnel cloud. If the funnel cloud touches the ground, it becomes a tornado. Tornadoes are most common in areas like the central United States, known as “Tornado Alley,” where these atmospheric conditions frequently occur. They can cause significant damage due to their high wind speeds and unpredictable paths.