Although the state already has experienced its first tornado of the year, Ohio is expected to see far fewer severe storms in 2011 than it did in 2010.

To prepare for tornado season — generally April through July — the state is in the midst of observing Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week.

As part of that annual educational effort, a statewide tornado drill was scheduled to be conducted today, but was canceled due to the threat of severe weather.

Looking at the forecast, however, this week also could be dubbed Extreme Weather Awareness Week. The Dayton area saw high temperatures in the 70s on Monday and thunderstorms on Tuesday, with more predicted for today, while snow showers are expected to round out the week.

The unpredictable nature of weather also is to blame for the lone twister that slipped in ahead of schedule this year. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 tornado, which is defined by winds of 86 mph to 110 mph, touched down near Millersport, east of Columbus, on Feb. 28.

Although there can be tornadoes in Ohio at any time of year, the NWS said this was the first February tornado to hit the state since Feb. 21, 1993.

Despite this early storm, experts believe the tornado may be among few this year — and likely far fewer than the flurry seen last year.

In 2010, Ohio recorded 39 tornadoes, which is three times as many tornadoes as the year before and almost as many as the previous three years combined. In 2009, 13 tornadoes hit the Buckeye State, while 2008 saw 15 and 2007 had just 12.

WHIO-TV Chief Meteorologist Jamie Simpson said, according to NWS forecasts, that Ohio could expect a milder late spring and early summer.

“It looks like Gulf of Mexico moisture will be less frequent this spring,” Simpson said. “If it is correct, that might limit the amount of severe weather this year.”

Simpson credited the lingering La Niña effect for the calmer forecast.

La Niña, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Eastern Pacific. It is the opposite of the better-known El Niño, which is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the same region.

Simpson said the NWS data point to a cooler and drier late spring and early summer, with average temperatures expected to return to the area by June.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7325 or jikelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.