National Weather ServiceIllinoisExtreme Cold WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Extreme Cold Warnings in Illinois
The National Weather Service issued 5 extreme cold warnings for Illinois in 2025 and 3 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 16th most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, 130% above the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Jo Daviess was covered most often (18 times since 2008).
How many extreme cold warnings does Illinois get?
Every extreme cold warning that covered part of Illinois. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2008 | 9 |
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 | 18 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Stephenson | 17 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Carroll | 17 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Winnebago | 16 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Ogle | 16 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Lee | 16 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Kane | 16 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Whiteside | 15 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Rock Island | 15 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| McHenry | 15 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Boone | 15 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Stark | 12 | 3 | January 23, 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 an extreme cold warning?
An extreme cold warning means dangerously cold temperatures or wind chills that can cause frostbite and hypothermia quickly. It replaced the wind chill warning in 2024-2025. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. AreaZine's counts include the wind chill warnings issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Illinois.