National Weather ServiceIllinoisFreeze WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Watches in Illinois
The National Weather Service issued 6 freeze watches for Illinois in 2025 and 6 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 25th most of any state. 2026 through September: 3, 7% below the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Wayne was covered most often (26 times since 2008).
How many freeze watches does Illinois get?
Every freeze watch that covered part of Illinois. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 3 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2008 | 5 |
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 | 26 | 3 | November 2, 2025 |
| Hamilton | 26 | 3 | November 2, 2025 |
| Jefferson | 25 | 3 | November 2, 2025 |
| Williamson | 24 | 3 | November 2, 2025 |
| White | 24 | 2 | April 8, 2025 |
| Union | 24 | 3 | November 2, 2025 |
| Jackson | 24 | 3 | November 2, 2025 |
| Franklin | 24 | 3 | November 2, 2025 |
| Wabash | 23 | 2 | April 8, 2025 |
| Saline | 23 | 3 | November 2, 2025 |
| Perry | 23 | 3 | November 2, 2025 |
| Gallatin | 23 | 2 | April 8, 2025 |
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 watch?
A freeze watch means temperatures at or below 32°F are possible during the growing season. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. AreaZine's counts include the hard freeze watches issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Illinois.