Severe Thunderstorm & Lightning Radar — Illinois
The Illinois Thunderstorm Radar tracks real-time convective storm cells, lightning discharges, severe wind shear, and potential hail cores operating across {state}. Monitor live severe thunderstorm warnings, cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, and convective storm cells across Illinois in real time. Data updates every 5 to 10 minutes from NOAA & NWS dual-polarization Doppler stations.
NWS Radar Station Infrastructure (Illinois)
Radar surveillance across Illinois relies on National Weather Service (NWS) NEXRAD WSR-88D Doppler stations including **KLOT** (Chicago / Romeoville Radar in Romeoville), **ILX** (Central Illinois Radar in Lincoln). These high-frequency microwave radar sites transmit pulsed radio beams every 4.5 to 10 minutes, generating real-time base reflectivity scans.
Active Station Callsigns
How to Read Thunderstorm Radar Scale
Indicates light rain or atmospheric drizzle that usually does not impede travel.
Represents steady, moderate rainfall. Roads may experience pooling and reduced visibility.
Indicates torrential downpours, severe convective thunderstorms, lightning, or potential hail cores.
Regional Climate & Atmospheric Context
Illinois sits in the Midwest severe weather belt, marked by intense spring tornado outbreaks, derecho windstorms, summer flash flooding, and severe winter blizzards. Using S-band dual-polarization technology, radar pulses measure raindrop diameter and ice density to distinguish between light drizzle, torrential downpours, and hail.