Jim Kosek

Decatur

Chief Meteorologist at WAND-TV (Decatur, IL)

Award-winning WAND Chief Meteorologist; Penn State Alum. Dallas Cowboys, pizza and hot weather fan.

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Articles

Nothing Luck About This 7

2 weeks ago | wandtv.com | Jim Kosek

(WAND) - Thankfully, Tuesday was a day with zero injuries and fatalities from severe storms. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case all season. A season that has already surpassed the yearly average number of tornadoes. Tuesday's round of severe weather spawned numerous funnel clouds that eventually became a tornado. The National Weather Service survey crew has confirmed a minimum of seven tornadoes. The EFU rating is an EF Unknown.
Severe Weather Makes Way For Cleanup

2 weeks ago | wandtv.com | Jim Kosek

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May's uncertain skies: severe weather threats ahead

2 weeks ago | wandtv.com | Jim Kosek

(WAND) - Although April has seen the highest number of tornadoes in central Illinois this year, May is typically the month known for the most severe weather. After a quieter weekend spent cleaning up from recent storms, severe weather is expected to return over the next 24 hours. The first wave of heavy to severe storms will bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, which could lead to localized flooding later tonight.
May Severe Weather Ramps Up...Again

2 weeks ago | wandtv.com | Jim Kosek

(WAND) - Despite April leading the charge this year in the number of tornadoes across central Illinois, May is typically the month that boasts the most severe weather. So, after a quieter weekend with cleanup continuing from recent storms, severe weather enter the picture again over the next 24 hours. The first push of heavy to severe storms will feature mainly strong wind and heavy rain that can lead to flooding in spots later tonight.
Severe, or not to severe? Instability could lead to thunderstorms in the area

3 weeks ago | wandtv.com | Jim Kosek

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Severe Or Not To Severe

3 weeks ago | wandtv.com | Jim Kosek

(WAND) - Did you venture outdoors today? Well, the hottest and most humid weather of the year-to-date holds off until Thursday, so let the sweating commence, or continue. The culprit is the origin of the air in the wake of tonight's warm frontal passage. Said warm front will trigger clouds and a thunderstorm with hail for some, so if you are a light sleeper, Mother Nature may have a rude awakening for you. In the wake of the warm front, a cap, or lid will develop over the lower atmosphere.
Landspout vs Tornado

3 weeks ago | wandtv.com | Jim Kosek

(WAND) - Western Stark County, near Wyoming, IL was the location of a landspout earlier today. While landspouts look like a tornado to some, there are distinct differences. A tornado typically develops from a rotating updraft within a supercell thunderstorm and descends to the surface. A landspout, on the other hand, develops from the ground up, drawing air upward from the surface and forming a rotating vortex that then ascends.
Cold Air Funnels Return

3 weeks ago | wandtv.com | Jim Kosek

(WAND) - Cold air funnel clouds have returned to central Illinois, forming on the northern periphery of a northern Mississippi storm system. We recently ran into a couple cold air funnels not too long ago, but it's always good to refresh the brain about them. Cold air funnels usually occur when cold, dry air flows over a warmer, moist surface, creating instability and upward motion in the atmosphere.
A Taste Of Summer

4 weeks ago | wandtv.com | Jim Kosek

(WAND) - 'Tis the season for record high temperatures to regularly eclipse the 90 degree barrier. So, it's only fitting that the first 90 degree day of 2025 be discussed. The third week of September was the last time central Illinois experienced that type of heat. Get the fans and air conditioners dusted off! Near 90 degree heat is expected for many, if not all, within the next week.
Mother's Day & Mother Nature: Perfect Together!

1 month ago | wandtv.com | Jim Kosek

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