National Weather ServiceIllinoisTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in Illinois
The National Weather Service issued 34 tornado watches for Illinois in 2025 and 21 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 11th most of any state. 2026 through September: 32, 72% above the average of 19 for those months in 2008-2025. Massac was covered most often (130 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does Illinois get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of Illinois. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 32 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2019 | 15 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2013 | 27 |
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2011 | 33 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2008 | 44 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massac | 130 | 32 | June 26, 2026 |
| Alexander | 129 | 33 | June 26, 2026 |
| Pope | 129 | 33 | June 26, 2026 |
| Hardin | 126 | 32 | June 26, 2026 |
| Pulaski | 126 | 32 | June 26, 2026 |
| Johnson | 125 | 30 | June 26, 2026 |
| Union | 125 | 30 | June 26, 2026 |
| Saline | 124 | 35 | June 26, 2026 |
| Gallatin | 123 | 33 | June 26, 2026 |
| Williamson | 122 | 31 | June 26, 2026 |
| Jackson | 121 | 30 | June 26, 2026 |
| Franklin | 119 | 32 | June 21, 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 tornado watch?
Tornado watches come from the NWS Storm Prediction Center when thunderstorms able to produce tornadoes are possible over a large area, usually for several hours; local offices list the counties it covers. 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. The national record · Every warning type in Illinois.