The National Weather Service in Chicago has established a new all-time high by issuing 128 severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings by April 19 — the most ever recorded by that date. So far, the NWS Chicago area has confirmed 20 tornadoes in 2026, matching the usual count for an entire year. Researchers indicate that warming waters in the Great Lakes are contributing to frequent outbreaks, thereby extending the severe weather threat area further into the Midwest.
