Illinois has a highly variable climate that provides both opportunities and challenges. The climate is ideal for growing major crops and supports a wide range of economic activities. However, events such as heat waves, winter storms, drought, and floods can have a significant impact on the state economy, environment, and the health and safety of Illinois residents. Research indicates that our society is becoming more sensitive to weather and climate over time.          The Illinois state climatologist promotes the use of climate information in areas crucial for the economic and environmental benefit of Illinois by disseminating climate information, monitoring climate events, conducting applied research, as as making presentations to community organizations, and talking to individuals and the media.

     The Illinois state climatologist has extensive records of climate data for the state, including daily temperature, precipitation, and snowfall data for nearly 400 sites, of which 200 are currently active. Additional data are available from a variety of federal and state networks.

     The Illinois state climatologist is located at the Illinois Water Survey, a division of the Institute of Natural Resources Sustainability at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.