Illinois Already Breaks Record For Most Tornadoes In A Single Year

Summer could get stormier in Illinois before it gets better.

If you live in Tornado Alley (which has so many different interpretations), you know tornado season is far from over.

Typically, Texas leads the nation in most tornadoes in a single year, averaging 140-150. It looks like this year, Illinois may give them a run for their money.

The previous record for the most tornadoes in one year in Illinois was 142 in 2024. Now, so far according to the latest stats, Illinois has had 200 confirmed tornadoes so far this year.

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So far, Iowa ranks 5th in the number of tornadoes per state in 2026. The number just got updated after the Father's Day tornadoes, which raised it from 149 to 200.

Normally, per year, Illinois will see about 64 tornadoes (1995-2025).

NOAA

Meterologists think that there's something in the climate over the last few years. You can see the shift in the last 3 years in Illinois' tornado numbers: 2024 they had 142 tornadoes, in 2025 it was 126 tornadoes, and in 2023, it was 121 tornadoes.

According to KWQC, studies over the last decade are showing a shift as to where Tornado Alley is, as in it's constantly moving.

63% of Illinois' tornadoes happen in April, May, and June, but as we all know, Midwest weather is unpredictable. Though apparently, most of them happen between 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. If that's helpful at all.

Unfortunately, for a chunk the Midwest, tornado season technically stretches through July too. Which means we're likely not done hearing our phones do the weather alert sound that sends us through the roof.