Chicago, Illinois – The National Weather Service in Chicago is inviting residents across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana to attend a series of educational seminars focused on understanding different types of severe thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service, the events are part of its “Beyond the Warning” seminar series, designed to help the public better recognize and understand storm modes such as single-cell thunderstorms, multicell storms, squall lines, and supercells.
Meteorologists say the sessions will explain how these storms differ in structure, organization, and potential hazards, including damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. The seminars are intended for the general public and do not require prior weather knowledge.
The following seminar dates and locations were announced:
- Feb. 23 – Elgin, Illinois
- March 4 – Valparaiso, Indiana
- March 5 – Kankakee, Illinois
- March 10 – Oglesby, Illinois
- March 19 – Gary, Indiana
- March 24 – Oak Forest, Illinois
- April 4 – New Lenox, Illinois
NWS officials said the seminars focus on storm appearance, radar signatures, and how storm organization relates to potential impacts. The goal is to improve public awareness and decision-making during severe weather events.
The National Weather Service emphasized that the sessions are educational only and are not tied to any specific weather threat or forecast. Dates, times, and locations vary by event.
Additional information about the seminar series, including registration details where required, is available on the National Weather Service Chicago website at weather.gov/lot/seminar.
For students, commuters, and residents across the region, the seminars offer an opportunity to better understand how severe weather develops and how warnings are issued.
