2025 Was Another Warm and Dry Year Across Illinois

Statewide temperatures well above 20th century average, with nearly 700 daily records broken

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:39pm

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According to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford, 2025 was another very warm year in Illinois, with temperatures well above the 20th century average. The state saw nearly 700 records broken for daily high temperatures, though it was not as warm as the record-setting 2024. 2025 also marked the fourth consecutive year of late summer and autumn drought in Illinois, with precipitation totals 7.8 inches below normal statewide, making it the 23rd driest year on record.

Why it matters

The warm and dry conditions in 2025 continue a clear warming trend in Illinois, indicative of the state's changing climate. Extreme weather events like intense rainfall, drought, and record-breaking temperatures have become more common in recent years, posing challenges for agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety. Understanding these climate patterns is crucial for communities to prepare and adapt.

The details

Temperatures in 2025 ranged from the high 40s in northern Illinois to the high 50s in the south, between 1-3 degrees above normal. It was the 15th warmest year on record in Chicago and the 20th warmest in Peoria. The statewide average annual temperature was 53.6 degrees, 1.0 degree above normal and the 18th warmest on record. Precipitation totals were 7.8 inches below normal, making 2025 the 23rd driest year in Illinois history. Central and northern Illinois were 1-10 inches drier than normal, while southern Illinois was 1-5 inches wetter. Illinois also saw a high number of tornadoes, severe hail, and damaging winds in 2025, though activity dropped off after July.

  • March led the way with average temperatures over 6 degrees warmer than normal.
  • July, September, and October were all at least 2 degrees warmer than normal.
  • January and December were both 2 degrees colder than normal.
  • June and July brought multiple rounds of extremely heavy rainfall, including over 5 inches in less than 90 minutes around the United Center in Chicago.
  • The dry fall weather persisted through the rest of 2025 and into early 2026, causing a significant expansion of drought across Illinois.

The players

Trent Ford

Illinois State Climatologist at the Prairie Research Institute.

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What they’re saying

“Last year was very warm in Illinois, especially outside of climatological winter.”

— Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist (Staunton Star)

The takeaway

The extreme weather events and climate trends seen in 2025 underscore the need for Illinois communities to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate, including more frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, floods, and storms. Understanding these patterns is crucial for safeguarding public health, infrastructure, and the state's agricultural economy.