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Fresh Snow and Temperature Outlook Ahead of Christmas Day

If you are looking for fresh snow by Christmas morning or are curious about potential travel disruptions, the best chances for at least 1" of new snowfall early this week exist across the mountainous West, Great Lakes, and Northeast. Otherwise, temperatures this last full week of December will average above normal for much of the lower 48 states. Read More >

Chicago, IL

Weather Forecast Office

Event Summaries

Weather.gov > Chicago, IL > Event Summaries

Past Events

 

This page serves as a location to find past weather event information for northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. 

To the right is a link to Storm Data, a monthly publication by the NWS's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Storm Data will list all of the finalized, quality controlled hazardous weather reports and damage survey assessments within the NWS Chicago County Warning Area broken down by month. These publications are available three months after the end of the month. To the lower right, there is a thumbnail link to a searchable database of these quality controlled reports. 

Further below on this page are individual event reviews for the local area sorted by event type. Many of these are archived stories from web top news headlines on our home page in the hours to days after the events occurred. Click on the date to jump to the full archived event review. Each story contains data and records from the event, and often meteorological insight and photos. To quickly search for an event that you may not recall the date of, click the "All" tab, hit Ctrl + F to search your browser, and enter the event and/or city or county impacted.

If you cannot find what you are looking for here, try our Local Climate Page, or for visualizing various datasets, also try the NOAA Weather and Climate Toolkit. 

          

Storm Data

Storm Events Datbase

 

 

 
All Local Events
  • 2024-2025 Winter: A listing of all notable winter weather events seen thus far in the area this winter season
  • July 15, 2024: Derecho produces widespread wind damage and a record number of tornadoes in the local area
  • July 14, 2024: Nighttime line of storms produces swaths of wind damage and several embedded tornadoes
  • July 13-14, 2024: Significant flash flooding in Rockford and isolated wind damage from morning storms
  • June 22, 2024: Heavy rainfall, swaths of wind damage, and four EF-0 tornadoes in the Chicago suburbs
  • June 16, 2024: Thunderstorms and a gust front produce scattered wind damage in northern Illinois
  • June 13, 2024: Widespread wind damage in Ford County and an EF-1 tornado near Gibson City, IL
  • May 7, 2024: Scattered storms produce swaths of hail and wind damage, plus an EF-0 tornado near Harvard, IL
  • March 22, 2024: Heavy snow band produces up to 9" of snow accumulation in far northern Illinois
  • 2023-2024 Winter: One of the warmest winters on record with little snow outside of a very active mid-January
  • February 27, 2024: Record warmth culminates in evening severe storms with large hail and several tornadoes
  • 2023: Record number of tornadoes in a calendar year in the NWS Chicago forecast area
  • August 23-24, 2023: Late summer heat wave results in consecutive days with 115+° heat indices
  • July 28-29, 2023: Multiple rounds of storms, including several late night tornadoes and damaging winds
  • July 14, 2023: Storms produce damaging winds across northern Illinois and an EF-0 tornado in DuPage County
  • July 12, 2023: Localized tornado outbreak with 13 tornadoes across northeast Illinois
  • July 2, 2023: Significant flash flooding in Chicago and nearby suburbs
  • May 7, 2023: Severe storms produce damaging winds, large hail, landspouts, heavy rain, and blowing dust
  • April 19-20, 2023: Two rounds of storms bring large hail and damaging winds to the region
  • April 4-5, 2023: Multiple rounds of severe storms produce a swath of significant hail and locally severe winds
  • March 31, 2023: Third largest tornado outbreak on record in the U.S. with 22 tornadoes in the local area
  • March 26, 2023: Strong to severe storms produce hail near and along the I-80 corridor
  • March 25, 2023: Winter storm brings significant snow accumulations to northwest Illinois
  • March 9-10, 2023: Winter storm produces up to over 9 inches of heavy wet snow in far northern Illinois
  • March 3, 2023: Thundersnow brings quick accumulations and strong winds south of I-80
  • 2022-2023 Winter: Mild and wet with a few heavy snowfall events in far northern Illinois
  • February 22-23, 2023: Ice storm across portions of northern Illinois; heavy rainfall farther south
  • December 22-23, 2022: Powerful Arctic front brings blizzard-like conditions and bitterly cold temperatures
  • November 5, 2022: Damaging winds sweep across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana
  • September 20, 2022: Scattered thunderstorm wind damage from Beloit to the western Chicago suburbs
  • August 29, 2022: Afternoon storms produce damaging winds, including 75+ mph in the Kankakee River Valley
  • August 28, 2022: Thunderstorms bring scattered wind damage to northern Illinois
  • August 7-8, 2022: Two rounds of heavy rain over 30 hours produce over 5" of rainfall and flash flooding
  • August 3, 2022: Afternoon thunderstorms produce localized damaging winds
  • July 22-23, 2022: Overnight storms produce hail, flooding, and three tornadoes in the Chicago metro
  • July 4-5, 2022: Multiple rounds of storms produce damaging winds and minor flooding in northern Illinois
  • June 13-15, 2022: Early summer heat episode; warmest in ten years for most of the area
  • June 13, 2022: Supercell storm brings a swath of severe wind damage and two tornadoes to the Chicago metro
  • May 10-13, 2022: Record early season heat brings four straight daily records to Rockford
  • April 30, 2022: Storms produce short-lived tornadoes in northern Illinois and wind damage in Rockford
  • April 14, 2022: Strong non-thunderstorm winds across the region produce isolated damage
  • March 5-6, 2022: Strong early spring storm system brings severe thunderstorms and strong winds
  • 2021-2022 Winter: Record late start to accumulating snow for Chicago, then a more active January and February
  • February 16-17, 2022: Winter storm provides burst of heavy snowfall following heavy rain the night before
  • February 1-3, 2022: Winter storm brings large footprint of 10+" of snow and sharp gradient over Chicago metro
  • August 24, 2021: Thunderstorms produce wind damage and localized flooding in northern Illinois
  • August 9, 2021: Numerous tornadoes and significant rainfall for parts of northern Illinois
  • July 29, 2021: Overnight severe thunderstorms produce wind damage across the Chicago metro
  • June 20-21, 2021: Late night tornadoes & wind damage, including an EF-3 tornado in Naperville and Woodridge
  • Spring 2021: Top ten warm and dry spring, with one of the slowest starts to severe weather season
  • 2020-2021 Winter: Near normal temps but above normal snow, including the snowiest three weeks since 1979
  • January 30-31, 2021: Widespread 6-12+" of snow, including largest snow event in Chicago in five years
  • November 10, 2020: Strong fall weather system produces damaging winds and two EF-0 tornadoes
  • Summer 2020: Persistent warmth results in top ten warmest summer, including warmest on record for Chicago
  • August 10, 2020: Powerful derecho brings widespread severe winds and numerous tornadoes
  • July 19, 2020: Thunderstorms bring morning wind damage and heavy rain
  • July 15, 2020: Heavy rain areawide along with isolated wind damage and hail in Livingston County
  • July 11, 2020: Severe storms produce straight-line wind damage across portions of north and central IL
  • July 7, 2020: Gusty afternoon storms; The science of these pulse summer storms
  • June 26-27, 2020: Severe storms bring areas of wind damage followed by flash flooding
  • June 9-10, 2020: Wind damage in Chicago area and then northwest IN; brief tornado near Onarga, IL
  • May 23, 2020: Severe storms produce wind damage in Joliet and a couple tornadoes including in Minooka
  • May 17, 2020: Significant flash flood event for Chicago and its suburbs
  • May 14-15, 2020: Widespread flash flooding in northern IL and wind damage in Lee and DeKalb Counties
  • 2019-2020 Winter: Near normal snowfall winter with no major accumulating snow or ice events
  • April 7, 2020: Significant large hail to the size of baseballs near Rockford and in Evanston, IL
  • March 6, 2020: Lakeshore flooding in northwest IN and parts of Chicago
  • January 10-11, 2020: Significant lakeshore flooding in Chicago; gusty winds, heavy rain and wintry mix too
  • December 22-29, 2019: Prolonged late December warmth, including record warmth for Christmas at Rockford
  • November 27, 2019: Strong wind gusts up to 60+ mph bring isolated damage on Wednesday before Thanksgiving
  • September 27, 2019: Heavy rain of 4-8" brings extensive flash flooding along & south of I-80 corridor
  • August 17, 2019: Overnight storm brings large hail and damaging winds to Peotone IL & Wheatfield, IN
  • July 19-20, 2019: Heat episode, including Rockford tying all-time record high minimum temperature
  • July 2, 2019: Gusty storms bring localized wind damage and flooding
  • June 30, 2019: Afternoon complex of severe thunderstorms brings wind damage
  • May 27, 2019: Memorial Day severe weather brings multiple EF-0 tornadoes
  • May 23, 2019: Straight-line winds bring damage to east central IL and northwest IN
  • April 27-May 3, 2019: Multiple rounds of precipitation bring flooding, including major stage on the Illinois River
  • April 27, 2019: Very late season heavy snow brings latest accumulation to Chicago and Rockford in 25+ years
  • March 2019: Major to record Rock and Pecatonica River flooding
  • March 14, 2019: Isolated severe storms including a brief tornado near Lowell, IN
  • January 30-31, 2019: All-time coldest temperature in Rockford, IL reached during major Arctic cold episode
  • September 25, 2018: Storms bring wind damage, with heavy tree damage in Huntley, IL in McHenry County
  • September 3, 2018: Storms bring flooding and isolated damage, including EF-0 tornado on west side of Chicago
  • August 7, 2018: Heavy rain & localized flash flooding in western & northern Chicago metro
  • June 26, 2018: Flash flooding in northern IL & three brief tornadoes, including an EF-1 in Manhattan, IL
  • June 16-18, 2018: Mid-June heat wave bringing hottest Father's Day to Chicago since 1995
  • June 15, 2018: Heavy rain and localized flash flooding in north central IL; over 6" in a week in Rockford
  • May 30, 2018: Heavy rain from Alberto's remnants bring flooding to western Chicago metro
  • May 26-29, 2018: Early season heat brings some of the hottest temperatures on record for May
  • May 2, 2018: Large hail up to tennis ball size and damaging winds across northern IL
  • April 2018: Top five coldest April with over half the daily lows below freezing
  • February 3-11, 2018: Record-reaching nine straight days with measurable snow highlighted by a winter storm
  • July 19-23, 2017: Multiple rounds of heavy rain producing storms bring flooding & areas of wind damage
  • July 16, 2017: Sharp overnight temperature climb with gusty winds -- heat burst?
  • July 12, 2017: Heavy rain & flash flooding in far northeast IL; Des Plaines & Fox River flooding
  • June 28, 2017: Significant flash flooding in Rockford and Belvidere, with two EF-1 tornadoes in Boone County
  • June 17, 2017: Scattered wind damage and three inches of rain across parts of Livingston and Ford Counties
  • June 14, 2017: Storms bring scattered wind damage and near three inches of rain to parts of northern IL
  • May 17-18, 2017: Severe storms bring scattered intense damage & EF-1 tornado in Capron in Boone County
     
  • May 15, 2017: Hail to golf ball size in the Rockford Area
     
  • April 29-30, 2017: Heavy rainfall from LaSalle County to Chicago brings river flooding
  • March 30, 2017: Heavy rainfall; wettest March calendar day in Chicago since 1948
  • March 23-25, 2017: Sharp day-to-day temperature changes including a near-record one hour temperature drop
  • March 13-14, 2017: Rare, longer duration heavy lake effect snow into northeast IL brings 8-15"
  • March 8, 2017: Strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts to 60 mph bring isolated damage
  • February 28, 2017: First February significant tornadoes in northern IL on record; EF-3 in Naplate & Ottawa, IL
  • 2016 Autumn: One of the warmest autumns results in latest first autumn freeze on record for Rockford
  • August 29, 2016:  Isolated very heavy rainfall brings flooding in Belvidere, Mendota, and Triumph, IL
  • August 28, 2016:  Flash flooding from 4" to over 6" in Braceville and Odell, IL and near Hebron, IN
  • August 12-20, 2016:  Multiple 4+" rain episodes including in Dixon, Kankakee, Lowell, and Plainfield
  • August 9, 2016:  Weak landspout tornado on the southwest side of Chicago
  • July 29, 2016:  Flash flooding near the I-88 corridor including parts of the west and south Chicago metro
  • July 21-24, 2016: Humid and hot weather brings multiple days of storms, with scattered wind damage in Chicago & flash flooding in Belvidere
  • July 17, 2016:  EF-1 tornado near Cabery, IL in Kankakee County and 2 to 6" of rain
  • July 13, 2016:  Severe winds along and south of I-80 with a picturesque sky afterward
  • July 7, 2016:  Localized heavy rainfall in northeast IL & northwest IN causes spotty flooding
  • July 6, 2016:  Isolated wind damage and 2 to 3" of rain in north central IL
  • June 22, 2016:  Over a dozen tornadoes in northern IL, including an EF-2 near Marseilles to Seneca, IL & in Pontiac, IL
  • June 14-15, 2016: Heavy rainfall and scattered wind damage in north central IL
  • May 25, 2016: Isolated wind damage and locally heavy rainfall
  • May 11-12, 2016: Heavy rainfall across north central IL brings isolated flooding
  • April 25, 2016: Hail in far northeast IL including to golf ball size in Wauconda in Lake County
  • April 3, 2016: Impressive single day temperature change; 5th largest on record in Rockford
  • March 16, 2016: Strong non-thunderstorm winds across northern IL and northwest IN
  • March 15, 2016: Early season storm brings hail across area, and tornadoes to northwest and central IL
  • February 24, 2016: Blizzard conditions in northwest IN and far eastern IL, with totals over a foot
  • December 2015:  Warmest winter month & December on record for Rockford; also wettest November-December on record
  • December 28, 2015:  Sleet & freezing rain event brings likely daily sleet record for Chicago
  • November 20-21, 2015: Second largest November snowstorm on record for Rockford & Chicago; totals up to 18" near WI stateline
  • September 12, 2015:  Early season lake effect rain showers bring waterspouts; science behind waterspouts
  • August 18, 2015:  Four confirmed brief EF-0 tornadoes and over three inches of rain in the Rockford area
  • August 10, 2015:  Severe microburst in Glen Ellyn, IL; the role of boundaries in severe weather
  • August 2, 2015: Large hail in DeKalb & Evanston, deadly wind damage in Wood Dale, & a tornado in Lake County, IL
  • July 13, 2015: Scattered large hail, including 3.75" diameter hail in Marseilles, IL in LaSalle County
  • June 2015:  A recap and rainfall totals of the extremely wet & active month
  • June 22, 2015:  Dozen tornadoes in northern IL including EF-3 in Coal City & EF-2 near Sublette, IL
  • June 15, 2015:  Widespread flooding across the western Chicago metro; EF-1 tornado near Symerton, IL in Will County
  • June 13, 2015:  Heavy rain leads to closing of I-80 in LaSalle County, IL
  • June 8, 2015:  Many hail-producing storms, including up to golf ball size 
  • June 7, 2015:  Flash flooding south of I-80 and two brief tornadoes in Jasper County, IN
  • May 26, 2015:  Brief EF-0 tornado in Summit, IL in Cook County
  • April 9, 2015: Violent EF-4 tornado strikes Rochelle area and Fairdale, IL
  • 2014-2015 Winter:  Aggressive finish to winter, with one of the coldest Februarys on record
  • February 2015:  Coldest February in Chicago since 1875; coldest month since 1983
  • October 31, 2014:  Powerful autumn system brings strong winds and battering waves to IL and IN; flooding on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago
  • August 21-23, 2014:  Multiple heavy rain events, including hourly rainfall measured near 4" in Burbank, IL and Dyer, IN
  • July 28, 2014:  Near-record high waves and cold water temperatures for July observed across southern Lake Michigan
  • June 30, 2014: Two derechos produce widespread wind damage and numerous tornadoes
  • June 18-24, 2014:  Several heavy rain events across northern IL & northwest IN, including over 5" in Lee County in one night, and 4" in Dwight, IL and Kouts, IN
  • May 20, 2014:  Baseball size hail in Chana, IL & damaging winds in DeKalb, IL
  • April 12, 2014:  Large hail up to golf ball size hail in the north Chicago metro
  • January 4-5, 2014:  Nearly a foot of snow in Chicago was city's largest in three years; Lake effect pounds northwest IN
  • November 17, 2013: Fifth largest tornado outbreak in Illinois, including an EF-4 tornado in Washington; second largest tornado outbreak in Indiana
  • July 20, 2013:  Large Hail Event with baseball sized hail across southern McHenry and northern Kane counties
  • July 10, 2013:  Hail larger than golf balls in Essex, IL in Kankakee County
  • June 27, 2013:  Supercell storm brings golf ball size hail and severe winds to Merrillville, IN in Lake County
  • June 24, 2013:  Derecho brings widespread wind damage along with tornado in Lee County
  • May 19 2013:  Golf ball size hail in Pecatonica, IL & wind damage in Winnebago County
  • May 14 2013:  Largest one day warm-up in May for Chicago and Rockford on record
  • April 17-18, 2013:  Record two day April rainfall brings record flooding to parts of the Des Plaines, DuPage, Fox & Vermillion Rivers
  • 2012-2013 Winter:  A record late start but aggressive finish to winter; a listing of events
  • October 29-30, 2012:  Remnants of Hurricane Sandy impact Lake Michigan with tropical storm force winds and high waves
  • Summer 2012:  Top 3 warmest on record for Chicago and Rockford
  • August 4, 2012:  Severe wind producing complex of storms with thousands of lightning strikes across area
  • 2012 Warmth:  Record warm water temperature and air temperatures over Lake Michigan
  • July 26, 2012:  Downburst over O'Hare International Airport brings 70 mph gust
  • July 4-7, 2012:  Impressive heat wave brings warmest temp to Rockford in 76 years, to Chicago in 17
  • July 5, 2012:  Microbursts in Cook County and over Merrillville & Gary, IN in Lake County
  • June 29, 2012:  Microburst crosses directly over Doppler Radar in Romeoville, IL in Will County
  • May 6, 2012:  EF-1 near Watseka, IL and widespread 2 to 4.50" of rain south of I-80
  • March 2012: Unprecedented early season warmth shatters March records
  • July 23, 2011:  Record setting daily rainfall in Chicago, part of the wettest July on record
  • July 11, 2011: Derecho brings widespread wind damage to northern IL, including six injuries in Palos Heights, IL
  • June 30, 2011: Supercell storm moves onshore from Lake Michigan bringing damaging winds and large hail to parts of Chicago
  • June 4, 2011:  Damaging winds from severe storms across northwest IN
  • May 25, 2011:  Tornadoes in eastern IL & northwest IN, including EF-2 near Mt. Ayr, IN
  • May 22, 2011:  Numerous EF-1 tornadoes in northern IL and northwest IN
  • October 26, 2010:  High winds with multiple tornadoes across eastern IL and northwest IN, including EF-2 near Peotone, IL
  • July 22-24, 2010:  Heavy rainfall episodes across the area, with over 8" in Rockford
  • June 18, 2010:  Two bow echoes with severe winds move across the area
  • June 14, 2010:  Softball sized hail and microbursts in Benton County, IN
  • June 5, 2010:  Dozen tornadoes across central & eastern IL, including two EF-3s near Streator, Dwight and St. Anne
  • April 5, 2010:  Severe winds and large hail, including up to baseball size in northern Cook County
  • August 19, 2009:  Tornadoes in Kane, Iroquois, and Porter Counties, including an EF-2 in Chesterton, IN
  • July 2009:  Coolest July in Rockford on record; 7th in Chicago
  • June 19, 2009:  Widespread hail, winds and flooding across northern IL, as well as EF-1 tornado in Woodstock, IL
  • May 13, 2009:  Intense straight-line wind damage near Mt. Morris, IL in Ogle County
  • March 8, 2009:  Two EF-1 tornadoes in Kankakee County & EF-0 in Livingston County
  • August 4-5, 2008: Six tornadoes across northeast IL & northwest IN, including an EF-2 in Griffith, IN
  • June 13, 2008:  EF-1 tornado near Belvidere, IL in Boone County at 12:30 am
  • June 7, 2008:  Eight tornadoes, including four EF-2s across Will County
  • May 30, 2008:  Severe storms, including tennis ball size hail in Manteno, IL in Kankakee County, along with a wake low
  • January 7, 2008:  Mid-winter EF-3 tornado in January near Poplar Grove in Boone County into McHenry County
  • October 18, 2007:  Golf ball size hail in Joliet, IL as part of large severe weather outbreak from Michigan to Mississippi
  • August 23, 2007:  EF-1 in Winfield, IL in DuPage County & severe winds into Chicago
  • August 15, 2007:  Intense wind damage across Lake & Porter counties in northwest IN
  • August 7, 2007:  Rainfall of 5 to 7" across Rockford and Belvidere lead to flash flooding
  • July 25, 2007:  Microbursts in Burr Ridge & Homer Glen, IL in Cook County
  • June 1, 2007:  Damaging winds across Mendota, IL in LaSalle County in north central IL
  • May 16, 2007:  EF-0 in Schaumburg in Cook County & nearby downbursts
  • April 26, 2007:  EF-0 in Plainfield & Bolingbrook, IL  in Will County 
  • March 31, 2007:  Microburst in Carol Stream & Glendale Heights, IL in DuPage County 
  • 2006: Record number of Illinois tornadoes in a calendar year
  • October 2, 2006:  Severe wind damage in Hickory Hills, Bridgeview, Manhattan, & Peotone in Cook and Will Counties
  • September 4, 2006:  Up to seven and a half inches of rain cause Labor Day flooding in Rockford
  • April 14, 2006:  Baseball size hail near Milford, IL in Iroquois County & Remington, IN in Jasper County
  • July 13, 2004:  F4 tornado strikes Roanoke, IL as part of multiple long-lived supercells in northern and central IL
  • May 18, 20, & 23, 2004:  Multiple severe weather episodes across northern IL and northwest IN, including multiple F0 tornadoes 
  • April 20, 2004:  F3 tornado kills eight in Utica, IL in LaSalle County; one of many tornadoes
  • July 27, 2003:  Damaging winds and heavy rain across the far southwest and southern suburbs
  • July 6, 2003:  Golf ball size hail in Buffalo Grove and Carol Stream, IL
  • July 5, 2003:  Widespread significant early morning wind damage from 100 mph winds across Rockford, IL including a downed TV tower
  • July 29-31, 1999:  Extreme heat episode
     
  • May 18, 1997  F2 tornado hits Lindenhurst and Gurnee areas of Lake County, IL, straight-line wind damage elsewhere
     
  • July 17-18, 1996: A record 16.94" of rain in Aurora with excessive flooding across the Chicago suburbs
  • December 31, 1988: Fog rolls in off Lake MI during NFL game causing infamous Chicago Fog Bowl
  • April 21, 1967: One of the worst tornado outbreaks for northern IL with three F4s devastates Belvidere, Lake Zurich, & Oak Lawn, IL
  • January 26-27, 1967: Largest snowstorm on record for Chicago brings nearly two feet of snow & a blizzard
  • April 11, 1965: Palm Sunday Tornado Outbreak ravages six states including Crystal Lake, IL with F4 (50th Anniversary)
  • April 17, 1963: F4 tornado kills one and injures 70 in Kankakee, IL and Medaryville, IN
Historic Events in Northern Illinois & Northwest Indiana
  • July 15, 2024: Derecho produces widespread wind damage and a record number of tornadoes in the local area
  • 2023-2024 Winter: Warmest winter on record for Rockford; top ten warmest for Chicago
  • 2023: Record number of tornadoes in a calendar year in the NWS Chicago forecast area
  • March 31, 2023: Third largest tornado outbreak on record in the U.S. with 22 tornadoes in the local area
  • Summer 2020: Persistent warmth results in top ten warmest summer, including warmest on record for Chicago
  • August 10, 2020: Powerful derecho brings widespread severe winds and numerous tornadoes
  • January 30-31, 2019: All-time coldest temperature in Rockford, IL reached during major Arctic cold episode
  • February 28, 2017: First February significant tornadoes in northern IL on record; EF-3 in Naplate & Ottawa, IL
  • December 2015: Warmest winter month & December on record for Rockford; warmest in Chicago in 90+ years
  • June 22, 2015: Dozen tornadoes in northern IL with ten from one supercell including an EF-3 in Coal City, IL
  • April 9, 2015: Violent EF-4 tornado strikes Rochelle area and Fairdale, IL
  • February 2015: Coldest February in Chicago since 1875; coldest month since 1983
  • June 30, 2014: Two derechos produce widespread wind damage and numerous tornadoes
  • November 17, 2013: 5th largest Illinois tornado outbreak, including EF-4 in Washington; 2nd largest in Indiana
  • April 17-18, 2013: Record two day April rain brings record flooding to several northern IL rivers
  • Summer 2012: Top 3 warmest summer on record for Chicago and Rockford
  • March 2012: Unprecedented early season warmth shatters March records
  • July 23, 2011: Record setting daily rainfall in Chicago, part of the wettest July on record
  • January 7, 2008: Mid-winter EF-3 tornado in January near Poplar Grove in Boone County into McHenry County
  • 2006: Record number of Illinois tornadoes in a calendar year
  • April 20, 2004: F3 tornado kills eight in Utica, IL in LaSalle County; one of many tornadoes
  • July 5, 2003: Significant wind damage from 100 mph winds across Rockford, IL including a downed TV tower
  • July 17-18, 1996: A record 16.94" of rain in Aurora with excessive flooding across the Chicago suburbs
  • April 21, 1967: Tornado outbreak in northern IL with three F4s devastates Belvidere, Lake Zurich, & Oak Lawn, IL
  • January 26-27, 1967: Largest snowstorm on record for Chicago brings nearly two feet of snow & a blizzard
  • April 11, 1965: Palm Sunday Tornado Outbreak ravages six states including Crystal Lake, IL with F4
     
  • September 14, 1928: Severe weather outbreak across the Great Lakes includes a significant tornado in and near Rockford, IL
  • May 22, 1855: The first documented tornado in the Chicago metro impacts part of present-day Des Plaines  
Tornadoes
  • July 15, 2024: Derecho produces widespread wind damage and a record number of tornadoes in the local area
  • July 14, 2024: Nighttime line of storms produces swaths of wind damage and several embedded tornadoes
  • June 22, 2024: Heavy rainfall, swaths of wind damage, and four EF-0 tornadoes in the Chicago suburbs
  • June 13, 2024: Widespread wind damage in Ford County and an EF-1 tornado near Gibson City, IL
  • May 7, 2024: Scattered storms produce swaths of hail and wind damage, plus an EF-0 tornado near Harvard, IL
  • February 27, 2024: Record warmth culminates in evening severe storms with large hail and several tornadoes
  • 2023: Record number of tornadoes in a calendar year in the NWS Chicago forecast area
  • July 28-29, 2023: Multiple rounds of storms, including several late night tornadoes and damaging winds
  • July 14, 2023: Storms produce damaging winds across northern Illinois and an EF-0 tornado in DuPage County
  • July 12, 2023: Localized tornado outbreak with 13 tornadoes across northeast Illinois
  • May 7, 2023: Severe storms produce damaging winds, large hail, landspouts, heavy rain, and blowing dust
  • March 31, 2023: Third largest tornado outbreak on record in the U.S. with 22 tornadoes in the local area
  • July 22-23, 2022: Overnight storms produce hail, flooding, and three tornadoes in the Chicago metro
  • June 13, 2022: Supercell storm brings a swath of severe wind damage and two tornadoes to the Chicago metro
  • April 30, 2022: Storms produce short-lived tornadoes in northern Illinois and wind damage in Rockford
  • August 9, 2021: Numerous tornadoes and significant rainfall for parts of northern Illinois
  • June 20-21, 2021: Late night tornadoes & wind damage, including an EF-3 tornado in Naperville and Woodridge
  • November 10, 2020: Strong fall weather system produces damaging winds and two EF-0 tornadoes
  • August 10, 2020: Powerful derecho brings widespread severe winds and numerous tornadoes
  • June 9-10, 2020: Wind damage in Chicago area and then northwest IN; brief tornado near Onarga, IL
  • May 23, 2020: Severe storms produce wind damage in Joliet and a couple tornadoes including in Minooka
  • May 27, 2019: Memorial Day severe weather brings 5 EF-0 tornadoes
  • March 14, 2019: Isolated severe storms including a brief tornado near Lowell, IN
  • June 26, 2018: Three brief tornadoes, including an EF-1 in Manhattan, IL
  • June 28, 2017: Significant flash flooding in Rockford and Belvidere, with two EF-1 tornadoes in Boone County
  • May 17-18, 2017: Severe storms bring scattered intense damage & EF-1 tornado in Capron in Boone County
  • February 28, 2017: First February significant tornadoes in northern IL on record; EF-3 in Naplate & Ottawa, IL
  • August 9, 2016:  Weak landspout tornado on the southwest side of Chicago
  • July 17, 2016:  EF-1 tornado near Cabery, IL in Kankakee County and 2 to 6" of rain
  • June 22, 2016:  Over a dozen tornadoes in northern IL, including an EF-2 near Marseilles to Seneca, IL & in Pontiac, IL
  • August 18, 2015: Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall; four confirmed brief EF-0 tornadoes
  • August 2, 2015: EF-1 tornado in Round Lake & Grayslake, IL in Lake County
  • June 22, 2015:  Dozen tornadoes in northern IL including EF-3 in Coal City & EF-2 near Sublette, IL
  • June 15, 2015:  Widespread flooding across the western Chicago metro; EF-1 near Symerton, IL in Will County
  • April 9, 2015: Violent EF-4 strikes Rochelle area and Fairdale, IL
  • June 30, 2014: Two derechos produce widespread wind damage and numerous tornadoes
  • November 17, 2013: Fourth largest tornado outbreak in Illinois including EF-4 in Washington, & second largest tornado outbreak in Indiana
  • May 6, 2012: EF-1 near Watseka, IL & Other Wind Damage in Iroquois County
     
  • June 21, 2011: Tornadoes in Downers Grove & Mount Prospect, IL
     
  • June 20, 2011: EF-1 near Bonfield, IL in Kankakee County
  • May 25, 2011:Tornadoes in Eastern IL & northwest IN, including EF-2 near Mt. Ayr, IN
  • May 22, 2011: Numerous EF-1 tornadoes in northern IL & northwest IN
  • October 26, 2010: Multiple tornadoes across eastern IL & northwest IN, including EF-2 near Peotone, IL
  • June 5, 2010: Dozen tornadoes across Central & Eastern, IL, including two EF-3s near Streator, Dwight, & St. Anne
  • August 19, 2009: Tornadoes in Kane, Iroquois, and Porter Counties, including an EF-2 in Chesterton, IN
  • March 8, 2009: Two EF-1 tornadoes in Kankakee County & EF-0 in Livingston County
  • August 4-5, 2008: Six tornadoes across northeast IL & northwest IN, including an EF-2 in Griffith, IN
  • June 13, 2008: EF-1 tornado near Belvidere, IL in Boone County at 12:30 a.m.
  • June 7, 2008: Eight tornadoes, including four EF-2s across Will County
  • January 7, 2008: Mid-winter EF-3 near Poplar Grove in Boone County into McHenry County
  • August 23, 2007: EF-1 in Winfield, IL in DuPage County & Severe Winds Into Chicago
  • May 16, 2007: EF-0 in Schaumburg in Cook County & nearby downbursts
  • 2006: Record number of Illinois tornadoes in a calendar year
  • July 13, 2004: F4 tornado strikes Roanoke, IL as part of multiple long-lived supercells in northern and central IL
  • May 23, 2004: Multiple F0 tornadoes in Pontiac & Cullom, IL in Livingston County
  • April 20, 2004: F3 tornado kills eight in Utica, IL in LaSalle County; one of many tornadoes
  • May 18, 1997: F2 tornado hits Lindenhurst and Gurnee areas of Lake County, IL, straight-line wind damage elsewhere
  • April 19, 1996: Largest tornado outbreak in Illinois including F2 in Zion, IL in Lake County
  • April 21, 1967: One of the worst tornado outbreaks for northern IL with 3 F4s devastates Belvidere, Lake Zurich, & Oak Lawn, IL
  • April 11, 1965: Palm Sunday Tornado Outbreak ravages six states including Crystal Lake, IL with F4 (50th Anniversary)
  • April 17, 1963: F4 tornado kills one & injures 70 in Kankakee, IL and Medaryville, IN
     
  • September 14, 1928: Severe weather outbreak across the Great Lakes includes a significant tornado in and near Rockford, IL
     
  • May 22, 1855: The first documented tornado in the Chicago metro impacts part of present-day Des Plaines
     
  • Local Tornado Climatology:  Tornado climatology information for northern Illinois and northwest Indiana
Severe Thunderstorm Winds and/or Hail
  • July 15, 2024: Derecho produces widespread wind damage and a record number of tornadoes in the local area
  • July 14, 2024: Nighttime line of storms produces swaths of wind damage and several embedded tornadoes
  • July 13-14, 2024: Significant flash flooding in Rockford and isolated wind damage from morning storms
  • June 22, 2024: Heavy rainfall, swaths of wind damage, and four EF-0 tornadoes in the Chicago suburbs
  • June 16, 2024: Thunderstorms and a gust front produce scattered wind damage in northern Illinois
  • June 13, 2024: Widespread wind damage in Ford County and an EF-1 tornado near Gibson City, IL
  • May 7, 2024: Scattered storms produce swaths of hail and wind damage, plus an EF-0 tornado near Harvard, IL
  • February 27, 2024: Record warmth culminates in evening severe storms with large hail and several tornadoes
  • July 28-29, 2023: Multiple rounds of storms, including several late night tornadoes and damaging winds
  • July 14, 2023: Storms produce damaging winds across northern Illinois and an EF-0 tornado in DuPage County
  • May 7, 2023: Severe storms produce damaging winds, large hail, landspouts, heavy rain, and blowing dust
  • April 19-20, 2023: Two rounds of storms bring large hail and damaging winds to the region
  • April 4, 2023: Multiple rounds of severe storms produce a swath of significant hail and locally severe winds
  • March 31, 2023: Third largest tornado outbreak on record in the U.S. with 22 tornadoes in the local area
  • March 26, 2023: Strong to severe storms produce hail near and along the I-80 corridor
  • January 3, 2023: Rare January tornado near Gibson City, IL; up to quarter size hail in the Chicago metro
  • November 5, 2022: Damaging winds sweep across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana
  • September 20, 2022: Scattered thunderstorm wind damage from Beloit to the western Chicago suburbs
  • August 29, 2022: Afternoon storms produce damaging winds, including 75+ mph in the Kankakee River Valley
  • August 28, 2022: Thunderstorms bring scattered wind damage to northern Illinois
  • August 3, 2022: Afternoon thunderstorms produce localized damaging winds
  • July 22-23, 2022: Overnight storms produce hail, flooding, and three tornadoes in the Chicago metro
  • July 4-5, 2022: Multiple rounds of storms produce damaging winds and minor flooding in northern Illinois
  • June 13, 2022: Supercell storm brings a swath of severe wind damage and two tornadoes to the Chicago metro
  • April 30, 2022: Storms produce short-lived tornadoes in northern IL and wind damage in Rockford
  • March 5-6, 2022: Strong early spring storm system brings severe thunderstorms and strong winds
  • August 24, 2021: Thunderstorms produce wind damage and localized flooding in northern Illinois
  • July 29, 2021: Overnight severe thunderstorms produce wind damage across the Chicago metro
  • June 20-21, 2021: Late night tornadoes & wind damage, including an EF-3 tornado in Naperville and Woodridge
  • November 10, 2020: Strong fall weather system produces damaging winds and two EF-0 tornadoes
  • August 10, 2020: Powerful derecho brings widespread severe winds and numerous tornadoes
  • July 19, 2020: Thunderstorms bring morning wind damage and heavy rain
  • July 15, 2020: Heavy rain areawide along with isolated wind damage and hail in Livingston County
  • July 11, 2020: Severe storms produce straight-line wind damage across portions of north and central IL
  • July 7, 2020: Gusty afternoon storms; The science of these pulse summer storms
  • June 26-27, 2020: Severe storms bring areas of wind damage followed by flash flooding
  • June 9-10, 2020: Wind damage in Chicago area and then northwest IN; brief tornado near Onarga, IL
  • May 23, 2020: Severe storms produce wind damage in Joliet and a couple tornadoes including in Minooka
  • May 14-15, 2020: Widespread flash flooding in northern IL and wind damage in Lee and DeKalb Counties
  • April 7, 2020: Significant large hail to the size of baseballs near Rockford and in Evanston, IL
  • August 17, 2019: Overnight storm brings large hail and damaging winds to Peotone IL & Wheatfield, IN
  • July 2, 2019: Gusty storms bring localized wind damage and flooding
  • June 30, 2019: Afternoon complex of severe thunderstorms brings wind damage
  • May 23, 2019: Straight-line winds bring damage to east central IL and northwest IN
  • September 25, 2018: Storms bring wind damage, with heavy tree damage in Huntley, IL in McHenry County
  • May 2, 2018: Large hail up to tennis ball size and damaging winds across northern IL
  • July 19-23, 2017: Multiple rounds of heavy rain producing storms bring flooding & areas of wind damage
  • June 17, 2017: Scattered wind damage and three inches of rain across parts of Livingston and Ford Counties
  • June 14, 2017: Storms bring scattered wind damage and near three inches of rain to parts of northern IL
  • May 17-18, 2017: Severe storms bring scattered intense damage and EF-1 tornado in Capron in Boone County
  • July 21-24, 2016: Humid and hot weather brings multiple days of storms, with scattered wind damage in Chicago and flash flooding in Belvidere
  • July 13, 2016:  Severe winds along and south of I-80 with a picturesque sky afterward
  • July 6, 2016:  Isolated wind damage and 2 to 3" of rain in north central IL
  • June 14-15, 2016: Heavy rainfall and scattered wind damage in north central IL
  • May 25, 2016: Isolated wind damage and locally heavy rainfall
  • April 25, 2016: Hail in far northeast IL including to golf ball size in Wauconda in Lake County
  • March 15, 2016: Early season storm brings hail across area, and tornadoes to northwest and central IL
  • August 10, 2015:  Severe microburst in Glen Ellyn, IL; the role of boundaries in severe weather
  • August 2, 2015:  Large hail in DeKalb, IL and damaging winds in Wood Dale and Evanston, IL
  • July 13, 2015: Scattered large hail, including 3.75" diameter hail in Marseilles, IL in LaSalle County
  • June 8, 2015:  Many hail-producing storms, including up to golf ball size 
  • May 30, 2015:  Cold and windy with heavy rainfall & high waves
  • June 30, 2014: Two derechos produce widespread wind damage and numerous tornadoes
  • May 20, 2014: Baseball size hail in Chana, IL & damaging winds in DeKalb, IL
  • April 12, 2014: Large hail up to golf ball size in the north Chicago metro
  • July 20, 2013:  Large Hail Event with baseball sized hail across southern McHenry and northern Kane counties
  • July 10, 2013: Hail larger than golf balls in Essex, IL in Kankakee County
  • June 27, 2013: Supercell storm brings golf ball size hail and severe winds to Merrillville, IN in Lake County
  • June 24, 2013: Derecho brings widespread wind damage along with tornado in Lee County
  • May 19, 2013: Golf ball size hail in Pecatonica, IL & wind damage in Winnebago County
  • August 4, 2012: Severe wind producing complex of storms with thousands of lightning strikes crosses area
  • July 26, 2012: Downburst over O'Hare International Airport brings 70 mph gust
  • July 5, 2012: Microbursts in Cook County and over Merrillville & Gary, IN in Lake County
  • June 29, 2012: Microburst crosses directly over Doppler Radar in Romeoville, IL in Will County
  • July 11, 2011: Derecho brings widespread wind damage to northern IL, including six injuries in Palos Heights, IL
  • June 30, 2011: Supercell storm moves onshore from Lake MI bringing damaging winds and large hail to parts of Chicago
  • June 4, 2011: Damaging winds from severe storms across northwest IN
  • June 18, 2010: Two bow echoes with severe winds move across the area
  • June 14, 2010: Softball sized hail and microbursts in Benton County, IN
  • April 5, 2010: Severe winds and large hail, including up to baseball size, in Northern Cook County
  • June 19, 2009: Widespread hail, winds, and flooding across northern IL
  • May 13, 2009: Intense straight-line wind damage near Mt. Morris, IL in Ogle County
  • May 30, 2008: Severe storms, including tennis ball size hail in Manteno, IL in Kankakee County, along with a wake low
  • October 18, 2007: Golf ball size hail in Joliet, IL as part of large severe weather outbreak from MI to MS
  • July 25, 2007: Microbursts in Burr Ridge & Homer Glen, IL in Cook County
  • June 1, 2007: Damaging winds across Mendota, IL in LaSalle County in North Central IL
  • March 31, 2007: Microburst in Carol Stream & Glendale Heights, IL in DuPage County
  • October 2, 2006: Severe wind damage in Hickory Hills, Bridgeview, Manhattan, & Peotone in Cook & Will Counties
  • April 14, 2006: Baseball size hail near Milford, IL in Iroquois County & Remington, IN in Jasper County
  • July 13, 2004: Destructive large hail up to softball size near Sublette, IL in Lee County; F4 tornado strikes Roanoke, IL later
  • May 18 & 20, 2004: Multiple severe weather episodes across northern IL & northwest IN
  • July 27, 2003: Damaging winds & heavy rain across the far southwest & southern suburbs
  • July 6, 2003: Golf ball size hail in Buffalo Grove & Carol Stream, IL
  • July 5, 2003: Widespread significant early morning wind damage from 100 mph winds across Rockford, IL, including a downed local TV tower
  • May 18, 1997: Widespread straight-line wind damage in northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana, F2 tornado hits Lindenhurst and Gurnee
Heavy Rain and/or Flooding
  • July 14, 2024: Nighttime line of storms brings renewed flooding to the Rockford area, plus wind damage and tornadoes
  • July 13-14, 2024: Significant flash flooding in Rockford and isolated wind damage from morning storms
  • June 22, 2024: Heavy rainfall, swaths of wind damage, and four EF-0 tornadoes in the Chicago suburbs
  • July 2, 2023: Significant flash flooding in Chicago and nearby suburbs
  • May 7, 2023: Severe storms produce damaging winds, large hail, landspouts, heavy rain, and blowing dust
  • February 22-23, 2023: Ice storm across portions of northern Illinois; heavy rainfall farther south
  • August 7-8, 2022: Two rounds of heavy rain over 30 hours produce over 5" of rainfall and flash flooding
  • July 22-23, 2022: Overnight storms produce hail, flooding, and three tornadoes in the Chicago metro
  • July 4-5, 2022: Multiple rounds of storms produce damaging winds and minor flooding in northern Illinois
  • August 24, 2021: Thunderstorms produce wind damage and localized flooding in northern Illinois
  • July 19, 2020: Thunderstorms bring morning wind damage and heavy rain
  • July 15, 2020: Heavy rain areawide along with isolated wind damage and hail in Livingston County
  • June 26-27, 2020: Severe storms bring areas of wind damage followed by flash flooding
  • May 17, 2020: Significant flash flood event for Chicago and its suburbs
  • May 14-15, 2020: Widespread flash flooding in northern IL and wind damage in Lee and DeKalb Counties
  • January 10-11, 2020: Heavy rain for January brings two to three inches of rain south of I-80 and sharp river rises 
  • September 27, 2019: Heavy rain of 4-8" brings extensive flash flooding along & south of I-80 corridor
  • April 27-May 3, 2019: Multiple rounds of precipitation bring flooding, including major stage on the Illinois River
  • March 2019: Major to record Rock and Pecatonica River flooding
  • August 7, 2018: Heavy rain & localized flash flooding in western & northern Chicago metro
  • June 26, 2018: Flash flooding in northern IL & three brief tornadoes, including an EF-1 in Manhattan, IL
  • June 15, 2018: Heavy rain and localized flash flooding in north central IL; over 6" in a week in Rockford
  • May 30, 2018: Heavy rain from Alberto's remnants bring flooding to western Chicago metro
  • July 19-23, 2017: Multiple rounds of heavy rain producing storms bring flooding & areas of wind damage
  • July 12, 2017: Heavy rain & flash flooding in far northeast IL; Des Plaines & Fox River flooding
  • June 28, 2017: Significant flash flooding in Rockford and Belvidere, with two EF-1 tornadoes in Boone County
  • March 30, 2017: Heavy rainfall; wettest March calendar day in Chicago since 1948
  • August 29, 2016:  Isolated very heavy rainfall brings flooding in Belvidere, Mendota, and Triumph, IL
  • August 28, 2016:  Flash flooding from 4" to over 6" in Braceville and Odell, IL and near Hebron, IN
  • August 12-20, 2016:  Multiple 4+" rain episodes including in Dixon, Kankakee, Lowell, and Plainfield
  • July 29, 2016:  Flash flooding near the I-88 corridor including parts of the west and south Chicago metro
  • July 21-24, 2016: Humid and hot weather brings multiple days of storms, with scattered wind damage in Chicago and flash flooding in Belvidere
  • July 7, 2016:  Localized heavy rainfall in northeast IL & northwest IN causes spotty flooding
  • June 14-15, 2016: Heavy rainfall and scattered wind damage in north central IL
  • May 11-12, 2016: Heavy rainfall across north central IL brings isolated flooding
  • August 18, 2015: Severe thunderstorms bring heavy rainfall with over three inches in the Rockford area
  • June 2015:  A recap and rainfall totals of the extremely wet & active month
  • June 15, 2015:  Widespread flooding across the western Chicago metro from three to six inches of rain
  • June 13, 2015:  Heavy rain leads to closing of I-80 in LaSalle County, IL
  • June 7, 2015:  Flash flooding south of I-80 and two brief tornadoes in Jasper County of northwest IN
  • May 30, 2015:  Cold and windy with heavy rainfall & high waves
  • August 21-23, 2014: Multiple heavy rain events, including hourly rainfall measured near 4" in Burbank, IL & Dyer, IN
  • June 18-24, 2014: Several heavy rain events across northern IL & northwest IN, including over 5" in Lee County in one night, and 4" in Dwight, IL & Kouts, IN
  • April 17-18, 2013: Record 2-day April rainfall brings record flooding to parts of the Des Plaines, DuPage, Fox, & Vermillion Rivers
  • May 6, 2012: Widespread 2 to 4.50" of rain south of I-80 causes widespread flooding
  • July 23, 2011: Record setting daily rainfall in Chicago, part of the wettest July on record
  • July 22-24, 2010: Heavy rainfall episodes across the area, with over 8" in Rockford
  • August 7, 2007: Rainfall of 5 to 7" across Rockford and Belvidere lead to flash flooding
  • September 4, 2006: Up to seven and a half inches of rain cause Labor Day flooding in Rockford
  • July 17-18, 1996: A record 16.94" of rain in Aurora with excessive flooding across the Chicago suburbs
Winter
  • 2024-2025 Winter: A listing of all notable winter weather events seen thus far in the area this winter season
  • March 22, 2024: Heavy snow band produces up to 9" of snow accumulation in far northern Illinois
  • 2023-2024 Winter: One of the warmest winters on record with little snow outside of a very active mid-January
  • March 25, 2023: Winter storm brings significant snow accumulations to northwest Illinois
  • March 9-10, 2023: Winter storm produces up to over 9 inches of heavy wet snow in far northern Illinois
  • March 3, 2023: Thundersnow brings quick accumulations and strong winds south of I-80
  • 2022-2023 Winter: Mild and wet with a few heavy snowfall events in far northern Illinois
  • February 22-23, 2023: Ice storm across portions of northern Illinois; heavy rainfall farther south
  • December 22-23, 2022: Powerful Arctic front brings blizzard-like conditions and bitterly cold temperatures
  • 2021-2022 Winter: Record late start to accumulating snow for Chicago, then a more active January and February
  • February 16-17, 2022: Winter storm provides burst of heavy snowfall following heavy rain the night before
  • February 1-3, 2022: Winter storm brings large footprint of 10+" of snow and sharp gradient over Chicago metro
  • 2020-2021 Winter: Near normal temps but above normal snow, including the snowiest three weeks since 1979
  • January 30-31, 2021: Widespread 6-12+" of snow, including largest snow event in Chicago in five years
  • 2019-2020 Winter: Near normal snowfall winter with no major accumulating snow or ice events
  • April 27, 2019: Very late season heavy snow brings latest accumulation to Chicago and Rockford in 25+ years
  • February 3-11, 2018: Record-reaching nine straight days with measurable snow highlighted by a winter storm
  • March 13-14, 2017: Rare, longer duration heavy lake effect snow into northeast IL brings 8-15"
  • February 24, 2016: Blizzard conditions in northwest IN and far eastern IL, with totals over a foot
  • December 28, 2015:  Sleet & freezing rain event brings likely daily sleet record for Chicago
  • November 20-21, 2015: Second largest November snowstorm on record for Rockford & Chicago; totals up to 18" near WI stateline
  • 2014-2015 Winter: Aggressive finish to winter, with one of the coldest Februarys on record
  • January 5-6, 2014: Nearly a foot of snow in Chicago was city's largest in three years; lake effect pounds northwest IN
  • 2012-2013 Winter: A record late start but aggressive finish to winter; a listing of events
  • February 10-11, 2012: Thundersnow and blizzard conditions observed in lake effect band in northwest IN
  • March 29, 2009: Snowfall across northeast IL, including over a half foot in the north Chicago metro
Extreme Temperatures
  • 2023-2024 Winter: One of the warmest winters on record with little snow outside of a very active mid-January
  • February 27, 2024: Record warmth culminates in evening severe storms with large hail and several tornadoes
  • August 23-24, 2023: Late summer heat wave results in consecutive days with 115+° heat indices
  • December 22-23, 2022: Powerful Arctic front brings blizzard-like conditions and bitterly cold temperatures
  • June 13-15, 2022: Early summer heat episode; warmest in ten years for most of the area
  • May 10-13, 2022: Record early season heat brings four straight daily records to Rockford
  • Spring 2021: Top ten warm and dry spring, with one of the slowest starts to severe weather season
  • Summer 2020: Persistent warmth results in top ten warmest summer, including warmest on record for Chicago
  • December 22-29, 2019: Prolonged late December warmth, including record warmth for Christmas at Rockford
  • July 19-20, 2019: Heat episode, including Rockford tying all-time record high minimum temperature
  • January 30-31, 2019: All-time coldest temperature in Rockford, IL reached during major Arctic cold episode
  • June 16-18, 2018: Mid-June heat wave bringing hottest Father's Day to Chicago since 1995
  • May 26-29, 2018: Early season heat brings some of the hottest temperatures on record for May
  • April 2018: Top five coldest April with over half the daily lows below freezing
  • July 16, 2017: Sharp overnight temperature climb with gusty winds -- heat burst?
  • March 23-25, 2017: Sharp day-to-day temperature changes including a near-record one hour temperature drop
  • 2016 Autumn: One of the warmest autumn results in latest first autumn freeze on record for Rockford
  • July 21-24, 2016: Humid and hot weather with heat index readings of 100 to 115 and dew points to 80
  • April 3, 2016: Impressive single day temperature change; 5th largest on record in Rockford
  • December 2015:  Warmest winter month & December on record for Rockford; warmest December in Chicago in over 90 years
  • February 2015: Coldest February in Chicago since 1875; coldest month since 1983
  • January 5-7, 2014: Bitter cold air brings lowest daytime temperatures in nearly 20 years
  • May 14, 2013: Largest one day warm-up in May for Chicago and Rockford on record
  • Summer 2012: Top 3 warmest on record for Chicago and Rockford
  • July 4-7, 2012: Impressive heat wave brings warmest temp to Rockford in 76 years; to Chicago in 17
  • March 2012: Unprecedented warmth shatters March records
  • July 2009: Coolest July in Rockford on record; 7th in Chicago
High Wind Events
  • December 22-23, 2022: Powerful Arctic front brings blizzard-like conditions and bitterly cold temperatures
  • November 5, 2022: Damaging winds sweep across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana
  • April 14, 2022: Strong non-thunderstorm winds across the region produce isolated damage
  • March 5-6, 2022: Strong early spring storm system brings severe thunderstorms and strong winds
  • November 27, 2019: Strong wind gusts up to 60+ mph bring isolated damage on Wednesday before Thanksgiving
  • March 8, 2017: Strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts to 60 mph bring isolated damage
  • March 16, 2016: Strong non-thunderstorm winds across northern IL and northwest IN
  • October 31, 2014: Powerful autumn system brings strong winds resulting in minor damage in the Chicago area
  • October 29-30, 2012: Hurricane Sandy remnants bring high winds off of Lake MI resulting in minor damage in Porter County, IN
  • October 26, 2010: Record deep low pressure in the Midwest brings high winds to the area
Marine
  • March 6, 2020: Lakeshore flooding in northwest IN and parts of Chicago
  • January 10-11, 2020: Significant lakeshore flooding in Chicago closes Lake Shore Drive and damages city bike path
  • April 14, 2018: High waves along the northeast IL shore cause flooding of Chicago bike path
  • September 12, 2015:  Early season lake effect rain showers bring waterspouts; science behind waterspouts
  • October 31, 2014:  Powerful autumn system brings strong winds and battering waves to IL and IN; flooding on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago
  • July 28, 2014: Near-record high waves and cold water temperatures for July observed across southern Lake MI
  • October 29-30, 2012: Remnants of Hurricane Sandy impact Lake MI with tropical storm force winds and high waves
  • December 31, 1988: Fog rolls in off Lake MI during NFL game causing infamous Chicago Fog Bowl
Studies
A full listing can be found here.
 

 

 

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