National Weather ServiceIllinoisWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Illinois
The National Weather Service issued 16 winter storm watches for Illinois in 2025 and 15 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 25th most of any state. 2026 through September: 7, 40% below the average of 12 for those months in 2008-2025. Jo Daviess was covered most often (62 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Illinois get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Illinois. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 7 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2014 | 19 |
| 2013 | 25 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2010 | 18 |
| 2009 | 17 |
| 2008 | 39 |
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 | 62 | 8 | March 16, 2026 |
| Carroll | 59 | 7 | March 16, 2026 |
| Stephenson | 59 | 7 | March 16, 2026 |
| Whiteside | 57 | 6 | March 16, 2026 |
| Rock Island | 53 | 6 | March 16, 2026 |
| Boone | 52 | 7 | March 16, 2026 |
| Winnebago | 52 | 7 | March 16, 2026 |
| Henry | 50 | 5 | March 16, 2026 |
| Lake | 50 | 6 | November 29, 2025 |
| McHenry | 50 | 6 | November 29, 2025 |
| Ogle | 50 | 6 | March 16, 2026 |
| Bureau | 48 | 5 | March 16, 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 winter storm watch?
A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible in the coming days. 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.