Weather and disaster in Illinois runs on storm alerts, seasonal shifts and emergency responses, and coverage here follows all of it. Reporting focuses on atmospheric events and the safety protocols that follow them.
Illinois recorded its warmest September on record and October ranked third-highest, with fall running warmer and drier than normal.
Live Poll
Do you think Illinois's weather is getting worse in your area?
Live Poll
Should the federal government prioritize funding for regional disaster recovery in your area?
The representative is seeking federal aid following severe storms that caused widespread damage across eight counties.
Live Poll
Do you expect this winter to bring serious cold and snow to your area?
SIUE weather expert Alan Black says El Niño conditions may coincide with a polar vortex disruption this winter, potentially bringing Arctic air to the Edwardsville area.
Live Poll
Have you checked that your home's carbon monoxide alarms are working this winter?
Governor JB Pritzker proclaimed November 2026 as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, urging residents to take CO safety precautions.
A passing cold front brought the coldest daytime highs to Central Illinois since April 7, with freezing temperatures expected overnight.
National Weather Service Chicago warns of hazardous northwest winds and high waves on Lake Michigan through early Saturday.
Day to day, that means tracking storm paths, extreme temperature events, flooding and the state and local recovery efforts that mobilize after an incident. Reporting spans from the capital to the rural counties where the landscape changes the reach of every event. Illinois experiences significant seasonal shifts that bring everything from severe winter storms to extreme heat and high-wind events. State-level disaster declarations and resource allocation are the factors that most frequently shape the response to each event.
