Blog Posts

person talking and holding a microphone
Read article: The heat is on (finally)
The heat is on (finally)
Monthly update from Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist Climatological...
Sunshine peeks through large clouds over thick dust, which shrouds a country road running between two farm fields.
Read article: Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland
Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland
As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle...
Wetland at the edge of a wooded area
Read article: Constructed wetland for water quality: Wetlands, NARPS, and advocacy
Constructed wetland for water quality: Wetlands, NARPS, and advocacy
In episode 72 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, Mila Marshall of...
Duane Friend teaching at a conference
Read article: Time to say farewell to your weather Friend
Time to say farewell to your weather Friend
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. This author will be heading out to pasture and retiring in May after working with University...

News Releases

Sun rise with electrical towers in front
Reduce energy consumption and stay safe during summer heat waves 
URBANA, Ill. — The first heat wave of the summer hit the Midwest earlier than usual this week, with a heat index forecast of up to 105 degrees, pushing many indoors to stay cool. All those air conditioning units running almost nonstop put pressure...
A large agriculture-related dust cloud over a farm field
Dust storms in Illinois: Identifying farm solutions
URBANA, Ill. — Dust storms have become an increasing concern in Illinois, prompting investigations into their causes and potential solutions. These weather events have resulted in fatalities, including a 2023 traffic accident that took the lives of eight...
A tractor pulling equipment tilling across a farm field causing dust
Dust storms in Illinois: Examining roles of weather and farming practices
URBANA, Ill. — Recent dust storms in Illinois have raised the question of the cause of these events. In the last few years, these dust events have caused fatal accidents among traveling motorists. Another public concern is the drop in air quality during these storms.Some of the emerging...

Videos

Forecasting the Weather: A Day in the Life of a Meteorologist

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a weather forecaster on a local television station? Go behind the scenes with TV weather reporter Nick Hausen, WSIL TV 3, as he shares a day in the life of a meteorologist. Video by Illinois Extension in...

Forecasting the Weather: Keeping Your Family Safe in Severe Weather

Severe weather events can be scary, but knowing what to do in these situations can help to keep you and your family safe. TV Meteorologist Nick Hausen talks about what you should do and where you should go to be prepared during severe weather watches and warnings to stay safe. Video by Illinois...

Staff