On May 24, 2016, a single supercell near Dodge City, Kansas produced 13 tornadoes in one of the most iconic chase days of the decade. In this episode, we break down the atmospheric setup, from outflow boundaries and dryline interactions to radar evolution and cyclic tornado production. A perfect case study for understanding how textbook ingredients can create a tornado outbreak.

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00:00 Overview of Dodge City TornadoFest

01:20 SPC Outlook and Atmospheric Setup

03:30 Outflow Boundary and Low-Level Shear

05:00 Upper-Level Support and Lee Cyclogenesis

07:20 Moisture, Dryline, and Surface Features

09:50 Forecast Challenges and Storm Initiation

11:45 Visual Structure and Sounding Analysis

14:30 Shear, Hodographs, and Tornado Potential

15:50 Radar Evolution and Tornado Development

17:30 Recap and Takeaways from a Historic Chase Day

On May 24, 2016, a single supercell near Dodge City, Kansas produced an astonishing 13 tornadoes—earning it a place in storm chasing history. In this episode of Convective Conversations, our storm chasing podcast breaks down exactly how it happened, from the first morning outlooks to the final rope-out stage.

We explore the rare atmospheric alignment that led to the event: a well-timed shortwave trough aloft, rich moisture surging northward on a strengthening low-level jet, and a razor-sharp outflow boundary left behind by overnight storms. Add in a focused dryline intersection and a rapidly organizing surface low, and you’ve got a textbook setup for tornadic supercells.

Radar showed explosive storm initiation around 5 PM CDT just southwest of Dodge City. The storm quickly developed a hook echo, began cycling tornadoes, and maintained discrete structure for hours. Eyewitness reports confirmed multi-vortex tornadoes, a damaging wedge that impacted Dodge City, and rapid occlusion-regeneration cycles—hallmarks of a high-end chase day.

We also dive into soundings and hodographs from the day, showing just how primed the environment was. This wasn’t luck—it was a rare case where every ingredient aligned perfectly, creating a day that chasers still talk about nearly a decade later.

Whether you’re learning the ropes or deepening your forecasting knowledge, this episode is a must-listen. Our storm chasing podcast doesn’t just tell the story—we teach the science behind it. If you’re passionate about severe weather, forecasting strategy, and tornado dynamics, this is the kind of deep dive that delivers real value.

Tune in to this episode of Convective Conversations, the storm chasing podcast that helps you chase smarter, safer, and with more purpose.