The severe weather season of 2026 is experiencing nearly three times the historical average for the frequency of events, as reported by the National Weather Service. The Chicago area alone has recorded eleven major severe weather incidents before April 19, compared to an average of just four for the entire January to April timeframe. This season has already witnessed an EF-3 tornado and a state-record hailstone measuring over six inches in diameter. Meteorologists are cautioning that the trend of unusually high tornado and storm activity is persisting into late May, with no indications of a slowdown as we approach the peak season.
