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- Overview and Statistics
- March 31st Outbreak
- July Outbreaks
- All Local 2023 Tornado Events
- Local Tornado Climatology
- Advancements in Meteorology
- Additional Info
Overview and Statistics
In 2023, an exceptional 58 tornadoes impacted the NWS Chicago forecast area, setting a new record. This remarkable number surpasses the previous record of 30 tornadoes in 2015, reflecting a significant increase compared to the average of 15 tornadoes in the 10- to 20-year range. Other significant tornado statistics for 2023 include:
- For the first time, tornadoes occurred in the months of January, February, and March of the same year in the NWS Chicago forecast area.
- Surprisingly, no tornadoes occurred in the NWS Chicago forecast area during the month of June, marking only the 18th time since 1950 with no tornadoes during this typically active severe weather month.
- July 2023 experienced a staggering 27 tornadoes in the NWS Chicago forecast area, breaking the previous record of 4 in 1993.
- All 23 counties in the NWS Chicago forecast area were affected by tornadoes in the same calendar year for the first time on record.
- The year also saw three days with more than 10 tornadoes each in the NWS Chicago forecast area, an unprecedented occurrence. In addition, there were a record number of EF-1 or stronger rated tornadoes, totaling 21 for the year.
Summary Graphic:
This year’s anomalous tornado activity was not limited to the Chicago area. The entire state of Illinois also experienced an unusually active tornado year.
- A total of 120 tornadoes were confirmed in Illinois during 2023, tying 2003 for the 2nd most to occur in a calendar year. The highest number of tornadoes in a calendar year in Illinois was 124 in 2006.
- Tornadoes occurred in Illinois in every month except for September, November, and December, marking the 7th time on record (since 1950) that the state has seen tornadoes in at least 9 months of a calendar year.
