Illinois State Climatologist
@ilclimatologist.bsky.social
Official account for the Illinois State Climatologist Office. Based at the Illinois State Water Survey and Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
go.illinois.edu/climatologist
go.illinois.edu/climatologist
Average nighttime low temperatures last week were top 5 highest on record across the Midwest, 5 - 10 degrees warmer than average.
The Southeast RCC's tool shows Chicago's temperatures last week were similar to normal temperatures in Orlando.
sercc.oasis.unc.edu/Map.php?regi...
The Southeast RCC's tool shows Chicago's temperatures last week were similar to normal temperatures in Orlando.
sercc.oasis.unc.edu/Map.php?regi...
June 30, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Average nighttime low temperatures last week were top 5 highest on record across the Midwest, 5 - 10 degrees warmer than average.
The Southeast RCC's tool shows Chicago's temperatures last week were similar to normal temperatures in Orlando.
sercc.oasis.unc.edu/Map.php?regi...
The Southeast RCC's tool shows Chicago's temperatures last week were similar to normal temperatures in Orlando.
sercc.oasis.unc.edu/Map.php?regi...
CoCoRaHS observers are especially critical in summer when rainfall varies a lot.
Yesterday, we had 0.21" at our Water Survey station, Willard Airport got a big goose egg, and some parts of Champaign picked up >2".
Consider joining CoCoRaHS to help fill in those gaps across Illinois: cocorahs.org
Yesterday, we had 0.21" at our Water Survey station, Willard Airport got a big goose egg, and some parts of Champaign picked up >2".
Consider joining CoCoRaHS to help fill in those gaps across Illinois: cocorahs.org
June 17, 2025 at 1:47 PM
CoCoRaHS observers are especially critical in summer when rainfall varies a lot.
Yesterday, we had 0.21" at our Water Survey station, Willard Airport got a big goose egg, and some parts of Champaign picked up >2".
Consider joining CoCoRaHS to help fill in those gaps across Illinois: cocorahs.org
Yesterday, we had 0.21" at our Water Survey station, Willard Airport got a big goose egg, and some parts of Champaign picked up >2".
Consider joining CoCoRaHS to help fill in those gaps across Illinois: cocorahs.org
Reposted by Illinois State Climatologist
You find the most interesting things at monitoring stations. Thankfully it was fake. @prairieresearch.bsky.social
June 9, 2025 at 12:37 PM
You find the most interesting things at monitoring stations. Thankfully it was fake. @prairieresearch.bsky.social
Reposted by Illinois State Climatologist
We have hit 101° for heat index at ICN Champaign at 1:20PM with air temp = 90° and RH = 63%. #ilwx
a man in a suit and tie is sitting in front of a window and saying nope . don 't like that .
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is sitting in front of a window and saying nope . don 't like that .
media.tenor.com
May 15, 2025 at 6:31 PM
We have hit 101° for heat index at ICN Champaign at 1:20PM with air temp = 90° and RH = 63%. #ilwx
Reposted by Illinois State Climatologist
Next week, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (#NIHHIS) is hosting a Heat Safety Week to provide information about #heat risks and ways to stay safe this summer.
Follow along with #HeatSafety. Visit Heat.gov for more information about heat.
Follow along with #HeatSafety. Visit Heat.gov for more information about heat.
May 14, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Next week, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (#NIHHIS) is hosting a Heat Safety Week to provide information about #heat risks and ways to stay safe this summer.
Follow along with #HeatSafety. Visit Heat.gov for more information about heat.
Follow along with #HeatSafety. Visit Heat.gov for more information about heat.
#CoCoRaHS is an invaluable part of weather monitoring in the US all year long, and especially so when we have small-scale convective events that produce huge differences in rainfall over small scales.
See the 3" rainfall gradient across Bloomington-Normal yesterday. #ilwx
cocorahs.org
See the 3" rainfall gradient across Bloomington-Normal yesterday. #ilwx
cocorahs.org
May 14, 2025 at 4:36 PM
#CoCoRaHS is an invaluable part of weather monitoring in the US all year long, and especially so when we have small-scale convective events that produce huge differences in rainfall over small scales.
See the 3" rainfall gradient across Bloomington-Normal yesterday. #ilwx
cocorahs.org
See the 3" rainfall gradient across Bloomington-Normal yesterday. #ilwx
cocorahs.org
Reposted by Illinois State Climatologist
Most Americans frequently use federal science information. But few are concerned that cuts to federal science spending could affect their access to such information, a new poll finds.
Most Americans use federal science information on a weekly basis, a new poll finds
Most Americans frequently use federal science information. But few are concerned that cuts to federal science spending could affect their access to such information, a new poll finds.
www.npr.org
May 6, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Most Americans frequently use federal science information. But few are concerned that cuts to federal science spending could affect their access to such information, a new poll finds.
The implications of warming winters in the Great Lakes region (like changes in lake stratification) are often under-reported relative to weather extremes like flooding and heat. But, they are nonetheless impactful.
During summer and winter, waters of the #GreatLakes typically separate into distinct temperature layers - a process called stratification. However, new research finds Lakes Michigan and Huron aren't consistently stratifying during winter anymore due to climate change www.jsonline.com/story/news/l...
In winter, the waters of Lakes Michigan and Huron separate into layers. Not anymore. Why?
Winters in particular are entering a new era in the world's largest surface freshwater system.
www.jsonline.com
April 8, 2025 at 3:28 PM
The implications of warming winters in the Great Lakes region (like changes in lake stratification) are often under-reported relative to weather extremes like flooding and heat. But, they are nonetheless impactful.
Historic rainfall across the Ohio River Basin (watershed average of 5.13" in the last 7 days) has caused widespread flooding along the River and its tributaries.
The Ohio River at Old Shawneetown, IL is expected to crest over 53', the 6th highest crest on record and the highest since May 2011.
The Ohio River at Old Shawneetown, IL is expected to crest over 53', the 6th highest crest on record and the highest since May 2011.
April 7, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Historic rainfall across the Ohio River Basin (watershed average of 5.13" in the last 7 days) has caused widespread flooding along the River and its tributaries.
The Ohio River at Old Shawneetown, IL is expected to crest over 53', the 6th highest crest on record and the highest since May 2011.
The Ohio River at Old Shawneetown, IL is expected to crest over 53', the 6th highest crest on record and the highest since May 2011.
Key messages from @nws.noaa.gov Paducah office:
-> a very dangerous weather pattern today and this weekend
-> High risk of severe weather on Wednesday
-> Potentially catastrophic flooding... entire region is expected to get at least 7 - 10" thru Saturday
www.weather.gov/media/pah/Ds...
-> a very dangerous weather pattern today and this weekend
-> High risk of severe weather on Wednesday
-> Potentially catastrophic flooding... entire region is expected to get at least 7 - 10" thru Saturday
www.weather.gov/media/pah/Ds...
April 2, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Key messages from @nws.noaa.gov Paducah office:
-> a very dangerous weather pattern today and this weekend
-> High risk of severe weather on Wednesday
-> Potentially catastrophic flooding... entire region is expected to get at least 7 - 10" thru Saturday
www.weather.gov/media/pah/Ds...
-> a very dangerous weather pattern today and this weekend
-> High risk of severe weather on Wednesday
-> Potentially catastrophic flooding... entire region is expected to get at least 7 - 10" thru Saturday
www.weather.gov/media/pah/Ds...
Reposted by Illinois State Climatologist
NWS in Paducah dropped a “catastrophic” this afternoon regarding the upcoming Ohio valley flooding potential. So that’s great.
April 1, 2025 at 7:56 PM
NWS in Paducah dropped a “catastrophic” this afternoon regarding the upcoming Ohio valley flooding potential. So that’s great.
More severe weather and likely widespread flooding in southern Illinois are highlighted in this morning's briefing from @nws.noaa.gov Paducah.
www.weather.gov/media/pah/Ds...
It is VERY important to stay weather aware this week across Illinois!
www.weather.gov/media/pah/Ds...
It is VERY important to stay weather aware this week across Illinois!
www.weather.gov
March 31, 2025 at 6:24 PM
More severe weather and likely widespread flooding in southern Illinois are highlighted in this morning's briefing from @nws.noaa.gov Paducah.
www.weather.gov/media/pah/Ds...
It is VERY important to stay weather aware this week across Illinois!
www.weather.gov/media/pah/Ds...
It is VERY important to stay weather aware this week across Illinois!
Spring has been kind of sneaky warm so far in the Midwest. March-to-date average daily high temperatures have been in the top 10 on record in many places, including 4th warmest in St. Louis.
Shout out to Southeast Regional Climate Center:
sercc.oasis.unc.edu/Map.php?regi...
Shout out to Southeast Regional Climate Center:
sercc.oasis.unc.edu/Map.php?regi...
March 27, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Spring has been kind of sneaky warm so far in the Midwest. March-to-date average daily high temperatures have been in the top 10 on record in many places, including 4th warmest in St. Louis.
Shout out to Southeast Regional Climate Center:
sercc.oasis.unc.edu/Map.php?regi...
Shout out to Southeast Regional Climate Center:
sercc.oasis.unc.edu/Map.php?regi...
The tri-state tornado, the US's deadliest tornado, occurred 100 years ago today. Over 700 deaths, including 234 lives lost in Murphysboro, Illinois. The tornado had an estimated 219 mile-long path through three states.
Check out @nws.noaa.gov Paducah's great page: www.weather.gov/pah/1925torn...
Check out @nws.noaa.gov Paducah's great page: www.weather.gov/pah/1925torn...
March 18, 2025 at 1:06 PM
The tri-state tornado, the US's deadliest tornado, occurred 100 years ago today. Over 700 deaths, including 234 lives lost in Murphysboro, Illinois. The tornado had an estimated 219 mile-long path through three states.
Check out @nws.noaa.gov Paducah's great page: www.weather.gov/pah/1925torn...
Check out @nws.noaa.gov Paducah's great page: www.weather.gov/pah/1925torn...
The precipitation across central and northern Illinois the last 2 days was much welcome to help recharge very dry soils.
The water table at @warm-isws.bsky.social site in Peoria is about 10 feet deep. That means we have to dig down 10 feet to hit saturated soil, compared to 3-4 feet normally.
The water table at @warm-isws.bsky.social site in Peoria is about 10 feet deep. That means we have to dig down 10 feet to hit saturated soil, compared to 3-4 feet normally.
March 5, 2025 at 2:29 PM
The precipitation across central and northern Illinois the last 2 days was much welcome to help recharge very dry soils.
The water table at @warm-isws.bsky.social site in Peoria is about 10 feet deep. That means we have to dig down 10 feet to hit saturated soil, compared to 3-4 feet normally.
The water table at @warm-isws.bsky.social site in Peoria is about 10 feet deep. That means we have to dig down 10 feet to hit saturated soil, compared to 3-4 feet normally.
Workshop #2 on climate and hazard information needs of emergency managers and planners - this time in central Illinois. Great insights from participants that will help us continue to build a climate information system for Illinois.
Thanks @illinoisstate.bsky.social for hosting us!
1/3
Thanks @illinoisstate.bsky.social for hosting us!
1/3
March 4, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Workshop #2 on climate and hazard information needs of emergency managers and planners - this time in central Illinois. Great insights from participants that will help us continue to build a climate information system for Illinois.
Thanks @illinoisstate.bsky.social for hosting us!
1/3
Thanks @illinoisstate.bsky.social for hosting us!
1/3
2025 so far has been very dry in east-central Illinois. Champaign-Urbana has had only 1.37" of precipitation since the start of the year, which is the driest first two calendar months there since 1920. #ilwx
March 2, 2025 at 9:30 PM
2025 so far has been very dry in east-central Illinois. Champaign-Urbana has had only 1.37" of precipitation since the start of the year, which is the driest first two calendar months there since 1920. #ilwx
Snow has been a rarity so far this season in Chicago.
As of this morning (and ahead of the potential for significant snowfall) the city has only had 10.1" of snow this season, which is 9th lowest on record through February 12, and the lowest since 1931. #ilwx
As of this morning (and ahead of the potential for significant snowfall) the city has only had 10.1" of snow this season, which is 9th lowest on record through February 12, and the lowest since 1931. #ilwx
Snow is expected to fall about 1 inch an hour from noon to 5 p.m. right on top of the evening commute, according the National Weather Service. Four to 6 inches is predicted in the Chicago area. www.wbez.org/weather/2025...
Chicago weather: When will snow begin? How long will it last? How much will fall?
Snow is expected to fall about 1 inch an hour from noon to 5 p.m. right on top of the evening commute, according the National Weather Service. Four to 6 inches is predicted in the Chicago area.
www.wbez.org
February 12, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Snow has been a rarity so far this season in Chicago.
As of this morning (and ahead of the potential for significant snowfall) the city has only had 10.1" of snow this season, which is 9th lowest on record through February 12, and the lowest since 1931. #ilwx
As of this morning (and ahead of the potential for significant snowfall) the city has only had 10.1" of snow this season, which is 9th lowest on record through February 12, and the lowest since 1931. #ilwx
Reposted by Illinois State Climatologist
Women and girls belong in science, and their inclusion fosters innovation.
In 2025, we join the United Nations to celebrate 10 years of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science—a key milestone in advancing gender equality and empowering women globally.
In 2025, we join the United Nations to celebrate 10 years of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science—a key milestone in advancing gender equality and empowering women globally.
February 11, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Women and girls belong in science, and their inclusion fosters innovation.
In 2025, we join the United Nations to celebrate 10 years of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science—a key milestone in advancing gender equality and empowering women globally.
In 2025, we join the United Nations to celebrate 10 years of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science—a key milestone in advancing gender equality and empowering women globally.
A warm up following prolonged cold - as expected this weekend - increases the risk of ice jams on Illinois streams, and the Kankakee River is particularly vulnerable to jams and flooding.
@nws.noaa.gov flood advisory: forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatx...
www.fox32chicago.com/news/nuclear...
@nws.noaa.gov flood advisory: forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatx...
www.fox32chicago.com/news/nuclear...
Nuclear power plant to help reduce flooding, ice jam risk along Kankakee River
A nuclear power plant is helping to reduce the chance of flooding along the Kankakee River.
www.fox32chicago.com
January 30, 2025 at 1:15 PM
A warm up following prolonged cold - as expected this weekend - increases the risk of ice jams on Illinois streams, and the Kankakee River is particularly vulnerable to jams and flooding.
@nws.noaa.gov flood advisory: forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatx...
www.fox32chicago.com/news/nuclear...
@nws.noaa.gov flood advisory: forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatx...
www.fox32chicago.com/news/nuclear...
The first half of January has been colder than normal. But, average temperatures so far this year are only among the 40th-50th coldest on the records of most long-term Midwest weather stations, including only the 53rd coldest in Chicago.
Maybe some recency bias from the last few mild winters? #ilwx
Maybe some recency bias from the last few mild winters? #ilwx
January 17, 2025 at 12:46 PM
The first half of January has been colder than normal. But, average temperatures so far this year are only among the 40th-50th coldest on the records of most long-term Midwest weather stations, including only the 53rd coldest in Chicago.
Maybe some recency bias from the last few mild winters? #ilwx
Maybe some recency bias from the last few mild winters? #ilwx
Our summary of the 2024 weather year in #Illinois is jam-packed! Last year was the 2nd warmest on record in Illinois and had the most tornadoes in our state, with drought and flood mixed in. #ilwx #climate
go.illinois.edu/scosummary
go.illinois.edu/scosummary
January 15, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Our summary of the 2024 weather year in #Illinois is jam-packed! Last year was the 2nd warmest on record in Illinois and had the most tornadoes in our state, with drought and flood mixed in. #ilwx #climate
go.illinois.edu/scosummary
go.illinois.edu/scosummary
Reposted by Illinois State Climatologist
A mild and wet start to winter, from @ilclimatologist.bsky.social.
Prelim statewide average temperature and precipitation for December are tied for 36th warmest and tied for 31st wettest on record, respectively. More: stateclimatologist.web.illinois.edu/2025/01/08/m...
Prelim statewide average temperature and precipitation for December are tied for 36th warmest and tied for 31st wettest on record, respectively. More: stateclimatologist.web.illinois.edu/2025/01/08/m...
Mild & Wet Start to Winter – Illinois State Climatologist
stateclimatologist.web.illinois.edu
January 10, 2025 at 3:11 PM
A mild and wet start to winter, from @ilclimatologist.bsky.social.
Prelim statewide average temperature and precipitation for December are tied for 36th warmest and tied for 31st wettest on record, respectively. More: stateclimatologist.web.illinois.edu/2025/01/08/m...
Prelim statewide average temperature and precipitation for December are tied for 36th warmest and tied for 31st wettest on record, respectively. More: stateclimatologist.web.illinois.edu/2025/01/08/m...