National Weather ServiceIllinoisFreeze WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Warnings in Illinois
The National Weather Service issued 11 freeze warnings for Illinois in 2025 and 18 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 17th most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, 37% below the average of 10 for those months in 2008-2025. Wayne was covered most often (52 times since 2008).
How many freeze warnings does Illinois get?
Every freeze warning that covered part of Illinois. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2012 | 38 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2008 | 16 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne | 52 | 6 | March 28, 2026 |
| Hamilton | 52 | 6 | March 28, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 51 | 5 | March 28, 2026 |
| Edwards | 51 | 6 | March 28, 2026 |
| Wabash | 50 | 6 | March 28, 2026 |
| Jo Daviess | 50 | 14 | April 20, 2026 |
| Edgar | 50 | 12 | April 20, 2026 |
| White | 49 | 6 | March 28, 2026 |
| Stephenson | 49 | 14 | April 20, 2026 |
| Effingham | 49 | 8 | October 24, 2025 |
| Douglas | 49 | 11 | April 20, 2026 |
| Brown | 49 | 10 | March 28, 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 freeze warning?
A freeze warning means temperatures at or below 32°F are expected during the growing season, enough to kill crops and sensitive plants. Since 2024-2025 it also covers the colder nights that had a hard freeze warning of their own. 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 hard freeze warnings issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Illinois.