National Weather ServiceIllinoisCold Weather AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Cold Weather Advisories in Illinois
The National Weather Service issued 37 cold weather advisories for Illinois in 2025 and 20 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 13th most of any state. 2026 through September: 18, in line with the average of 17 for those months in 2008-2025. Jo Daviess was covered most often (99 times since 2008).
How many cold weather advisories does Illinois get?
Every cold weather advisory that covered part of Illinois. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 18 |
| 2025 | 37 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2016 | 20 |
| 2015 | 34 |
| 2014 | 46 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2010 | 27 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2008 | 32 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Illinois get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Illinois?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jo Daviess | 99 | 18 | January 26, 2026 |
| Rock Island | 93 | 17 | January 26, 2026 |
| Stephenson | 91 | 18 | January 26, 2026 |
| Carroll | 91 | 18 | January 26, 2026 |
| Whiteside | 88 | 17 | January 26, 2026 |
| Lee | 85 | 14 | January 26, 2026 |
| Kane | 85 | 14 | January 26, 2026 |
| Winnebago | 83 | 14 | January 26, 2026 |
| Ogle | 83 | 14 | January 26, 2026 |
| Mercer | 83 | 16 | January 26, 2026 |
| McHenry | 83 | 15 | January 26, 2026 |
| Knox | 83 | 15 | January 26, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a cold weather advisory?
A cold weather advisory means cold temperatures or wind chills that can be dangerous to people without shelter. It replaced the wind chill advisory in 2024-2025. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. AreaZine's counts include the wind chill advisories issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Illinois.