Sweltering heat remains across the South-Central Plains and Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley, as well as in the Southwest and California this week with limited nighttime relief. Heavy rainfall will lead to localized areas of flash flooding in parts of the Ohio Valley/Central Appalachians. Dry and breezy conditions will enhance fire weather concerns across the northern Rockies and High Plains. Read More >
Ever wonder how a National Weather Service office operates? Now is your chance to find out.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Central Illinois Forecast Office is hosting a free Community Open House on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
This family-friendly event offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the federal facility responsible for issuing local daily forecasts, watches, advisories, and life-saving severe weather warnings.
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Rain or Shine*)
Where: NWS Central Illinois Office, 1362 State Route 10, Lincoln, IL 62656
Admission: FREE for all ages, but advance ticket registration is required for the office tour.
*Note: In the extreme event of local severe weather, the open house may be postponed or canceled so meteorologists can focus on operations.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is a component of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The NWS provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters, and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy.
For more information, safety tips, and event updates, visit our website at weather.gov/ilx or follow us on Facebook @NWSLincoln and X (formerly Twitter) at @NWSLincolnIL.
Operations Tours: Tour inside the weather office and learn more about the NWS. Tickets required.*
Weather Balloon Launch: Beginning @ 12 pm CDT
Meet The Team: Chat with meteorologists, hydrologists, and local partners that work to keep our community safe.
NWS Tent / Science Zone: Hands-on activities for all ages, including a tornado in a bottle, lightning machine, river model, and weather-themed coloring sheets. Plus, enter our giveaway to win a NOAA weather radio!
*Operations tours are the only activity that require tickets!
Weather safety is a team effort! NWS Central Illinois is hopeful to host several local emergency, community, and educational partners at this year’s event. Below is a list of our partners that will be in attendance:
Please use the interactive satellite map below to locate our arrival point and parking area. Parking attendants on site will guide guests to the designated parking areas.
If using a GPS device for direction to our office, please use 1362 East Highway 10, Lincoln, IL, 62656 as the destination.
Directions via I-55 South:
Directions via I-55 North:
Directions via I-155 South:
Directions via Hwy 121 North:
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