Weather Realness

Severe weather events have increased over the years. From hurricanes, tornadoes to massive wildfires, these changes in the weather are often linked to climate change. We talk about how a warming planet influences extreme weather and how researchers make that connection.

We break down Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show and how it reflects the climate issues, resilience and ongoing power outages in Puerto Rico.

We finally got rain in Illinois, but the drought is still ongoing. We talk about what the recent rainfall  means for Illinois and other places of the U.S. and what it would take to ease the drought.

We sat down with Tim Killeen, president of the University of Illinois System to reflect on his career in geophysics and space science and the university’s role in innovation and advancing sustainability.

Stressed out over climate change and natural disasters? We talk about how climate issues affect our mental health and how to manage it. 

What happens when climate research is scaled back? From U.S. tornado warnings to flood alerts in Cambodia, we talk about how climate research shapes weather warnings and why we should take them seriously.

After a massive snowstorm swept across the country, we learn more while Illinois is seeing warmer winters and surprising snowfall.

We talked about the massive winter storm that hit Central Illinois and across the U.S. which brought heavy snow to some areas, freezing rain and sleet.

Wildfires are a natural reality in Southern California, but is mass destruction an inevitability? We look at if the program worked and how it could reshape life with wildfire in Los Angeles and beyond.

As the nation watched in shock and horror as the Palisades Fire brought Los Angeles to its knees, a group of civilians stepped up to defend their home turf.

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.

We talked with the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign about how it prepared Gies Memorial Stadium for a snowy game in late November 2025.

University of Illinois scientists explain how weather systems caused the 1967 ice bowl and 1988 fog bowl and other historic football games.

Understanding the difference between a Blizzard, Wind Chill, Winter Storm and other weather warnings.

In a typical November, Champaign-Urbana receives just under an inch of snow. In 2025, it received several inches more.

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?

On today's show, we are diving into nuclear energy, one kind of low-carbon energy source. Illinois produces around ⅛ of all nuclear energy produced in the United States.

Jeff Frame and Deanna Hence, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professors, explained the destructive winds and rain unleashed by Hurricane Melissa.

A Space X rocket delivered the UIUC-designed Carruthers Geocorona Observatory to space. We talked about how it will study space weather.

We learned about the impacts of drought on forests in Illinois. If you have a question about climate or weather, call 217.333.2141.

We discussed the extreme drought in central Illinois right now. If you have a question about climate or weather, call 217.333.2141.

Today on Weather Realness, the US Drought Monitor says Champaign County is in a severe drought. We'll visit a local orchard and pumpkin patch to see how that's impacting this fall's crop. If you have a question about climate or weather, leave a voicemail at 217.333.2141.

Today on Weather Realness, we are talking autumn, from the cooler weather to the changing leaves. If you have a question about climate or weather, leave a voicemail at 217.333.2141.

Today on Weather Realness, we are talking all about solar energy. If you have a question about climate or weather, leave a voicemail at 217.333.2141.

Today on Weather Realness, we are talking all about solar energy. If you have a question about climate or weather, leave a voicemail at 217.333.2141.