AI is Claiming Illinois Has a Tornado Risk this Wednesday

I want to say that I am skeptical from the start, but artificial intelligence is claiming that Illinois suddenly has a risk of tornadoes this Wednesday. It is not alone in saying there is a chance of severe weather in Illinois in the middle of the week.

My wife the meteorologist first pointed me toward the Tornado Alley Weather Center share on Facebook which shows a tornado risk map for Wednesday, May 1, 2025. Notice that there is a swath right through the middle of Illinois that has a reasonable risk of twisters.

If you look at the NOAA Storm Prediction Center convective outlook for Wednesday, May 1, you'll see there are some possibilities in Illinois, but nothing really to be concerned about in my opinion.

When you look at what the Storm Prediction Center outlook for tornadoes specifically, you don't see any real problems in Illinois.

What is the real risk of tornadoes in Illinois on Wednesday?

While you should always know there's at least a chance of a tornado developing when thunderstorms are moving through, I don't think Illinois should worry about this Wednesday. I think this is one example of why artificial intelligence can be helpful, but should never replace a real human being analyzing this kind of data. I don't know any real meteorologists that would look at the computer models for tomorrow and sound the tornado alarm for Illinois. 

All that being said, be aware there is a chance of severe weather in Illinois again on Wednesday. Just know this storm system does not look like it's going to be very destructive.