National Weather ServiceIllinoisRed Flag WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Red Flag Warnings in Illinois
The National Weather Service issued 19 red flag warnings for Illinois in 2025 and 8 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 27th most of any state. 2026 through September: 9, 78% above the average of 5 for those months in 2008-2025. Kankakee was covered most often (31 times since 2008).
How many red flag warnings does Illinois get?
Every red flag warning that covered part of Illinois. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 9 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2012 | 21 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2010 | 24 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kankakee | 31 | 6 | February 18, 2026 |
| Will | 29 | 5 | February 18, 2026 |
| Grundy | 28 | 6 | February 18, 2026 |
| Kendall | 28 | 6 | February 18, 2026 |
| La Salle | 28 | 6 | February 18, 2026 |
| Livingston | 28 | 6 | February 18, 2026 |
| Ford | 27 | 6 | February 18, 2026 |
| Iroquois | 27 | 6 | February 18, 2026 |
| DuPage | 24 | 5 | February 18, 2026 |
| Monroe | 24 | 5 | March 29, 2026 |
| Alexander | 23 | 3 | March 29, 2026 |
| Calhoun | 23 | 7 | February 27, 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 red flag warning?
A red flag warning means critical fire weather is happening or about to happen: strong wind, very low humidity and dry fuels together, so a fire that starts can spread fast. Each office sets the criteria with its land-management partners. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Illinois.