Your official 2025 weather year in review
From deadly wildfires in California to deadly floods in central Texas to severe weather and an early winter in central Illinois… we reviewed 2025's biggest weather stories.
Weather Realness
Illinois Public Media premieres a new weekly radio program and podcast, a partnership with the Department of Climate, Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences in the School of Earth, Society & Environment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Weather Realness brings the best weather and climate scientists in Illinois to help the public understand weather and climate by providing scientific facts and enlightening conversation.
It took an army to get Gies Memorial Stadium ready for the November 29 game. Here’s how they did it.
We talked with the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign about how it prepared Gies Memorial Stadium for a snowy game in late November 2025.
Weather significantly affected these football games. Which ones do you remember?
University of Illinois scientists explain how weather systems caused the 1967 ice bowl and 1988 fog bowl and other historic football games.
Blizzards, Sleet, Snow, Wind Chills… understanding how to survive winter in Illinois
Understanding the difference between a Blizzard, Wind Chill, Winter Storm and other weather warnings.
Welcome to winter (early) in Central Illinois
In a typical November, Champaign-Urbana receives just under an inch of snow. In 2025, it received several inches more.
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign proposes to build next generation nuclear microreactor
The University of Illinois wants to construct and operate a new research nuclear microreactor on campus. What will it do and will it be safe?
Illinois is national leader in nuclear power. Should we grow this ‘carbon free’ technology?
On today's show, we are diving into nuclear energy, one kind of low-carbon energy source. Illinois produces around â…› of all nuclear energy produced in the United States.
University of Illinois scientists explain why Hurricane Melissa will be one for the recordbooks
Jeff Frame and Deanna Hence, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professors, explained the destructive winds and rain unleashed by Hurricane Melissa.
An observer developed at UIUC will study space weather and how it affects us on Earth
A Space X rocket delivered the UIUC-designed Carruthers Geocorona Observatory to space. We talked about how it will study space weather.
Which trees fare well in Illinois during drought and how you can save yours?
We learned about the impacts of drought on forests in Illinois. If you have a question about climate or weather, call 217.333.2141.
