Final answer:
The most likely time for a strong tornado to occur is option (d) 5:00 P.M., mid-May, due to atmospheric conditions favorable for severe weather, including the late afternoon heating.
Step-by-step explanation:
A strong tornado is most likely to occur during times of the year when warm, moist air collides with cooler, dry air, creating severe thunderstorms. This typically happens during the late spring and early summer months in the United States, particularly in the Tornado Alley region. Considering the options given, the answer would be (d) 5:00 P.M., mid-May, as tornadoes are more likely to develop during the late afternoon when the heating of the day contributes to the instability of the atmosphere.
Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the late afternoon and evening, between 3:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M. The strongest tornadoes are usually associated with severe thunderstorms, which typically occur during the spring and early summer months. Therefore, option (d) 5:00 P.M., mid-May, is the most likely time for a strong tornado to occur.