Springfield, Illinois – Illinois emergency officials are using the winter months to reinforce lightning safety awareness after 21 people across the United States were killed by lightning in 2025, the highest annual total since 2019.
According to the National Weather Service and the National Lightning Safety Council, most lightning fatalities last year occurred during outdoor activities such as farming, construction, yard work, youth sports, and recreation near water. While Illinois did not record a lightning-related death in 2025, officials stress that the state remains vulnerable once thunderstorm season returns.
Lightning risk in Illinois typically increases from late spring through summer, especially during afternoon and evening storms that develop along cold fronts moving through the Midwest. Central and southern Illinois are particularly prone to fast-building thunderstorms, while northern Illinois often sees storms intensify as they approach the Chicago metro area.
State and local officials say winter is the ideal time to strengthen safety habits ahead of 2026. If thunder is heard anywhere in Illinois, residents should move indoors immediately to a substantial building or enclosed vehicle. Open fields, isolated trees, metal equipment, rooftops, and bodies of water significantly increase the risk of being struck.
Emergency management leaders emphasize that early action saves lives. Lightning safety outreach is expected to ramp up statewide as warmer weather approaches, with the goal of keeping Illinois residents prepared, informed, and safe throughout the next thunderstorm season.
