DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The record-breaking year of tornadoes continues. For now, though, we're in a respite. The problem? Severe weather has been replaced by extreme heat! Â
In time, thunderstorms, albeit with more misses than hits, will return. They'll do little to quell the heat, providing only temporary relief. While any thunderstorm this holiday weekend can be severe, tornadic activity is not expected. Â
The Lower 48 map shows Illinois leads the nation by a ton, and that's an understatement. Mississippi has the second-highest number of tornadoes this year at 81, which pales in comparison to Illinois' 178. Even this year trounces previous years. The top four out of six tornado years here just so happen to include the past four years. Ouch!Â
So, as you settle in for America 250, keep an eye on the sky, another eye on the WAND weather app and stay weather-aware.Â
Copyright 2026. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.
