Authorities work the scene at the Apollo Theatre after a severe spring storm caused damage and injuries during a concert, late Friday, March 31, 2023, in Belvidere, Ill. (AP Photo / Matt Marton)

In Belvidere, Illinois, a tornado collapsed the roof of the Apollo Theatre as 260 people attended a heavy metal concert, killing one person and injuring 40, officials said.

(Johannes Plenio / Unsplash)

The National Weather Service said starting around 2 p.m. Friday, the Chicago area is expected to see destructive winds and the possibility of tornadoes that could cause extensive damage.

Debris covers the ground in the aftermath of a tornado in Tuscaloosa, Ala., May 7, 2011. Meteorologists are warning of a series of severe storms that could rip across America’s Midwest and South over the next couple of weeks. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)

A seemingly relentless series of severe storms, likely with deadly tornadoes, are forecast to rip across parts of America’s Midwest and South over the next couple weeks, especially Friday, meteorologists said.

(Patty Wetli / WTTW News)

Spring is always an iffy proposition in Chicago, but it officially begins Monday. 

Dan LaMoore adjusts the hands on a Seth Thomas Post Clock at Electric Time Company, Oct. 23, 2020, in Medfield, Mass. (AP Photo / Elise Amendola, File)

In Chicago, you’ll lose an hour of sleep for one night but gain more daylight in the evening in the months ahead.

(Dostigla / Pixabay)

Chicago will dodge the worst of a storm system whose track has stymied meteorologists as it's approached the region.

(Dan Lambert / WTTW News)

At some point Friday, it will probably rain or snow, but how much of which form of precipitation will fall, and where, forecasters still can’t say with confidence.

(Patty Wetli / WTTW News)

The big story was the amount of rain that fell in the Chicago region: There have only been seven wetter Februarys since 1871.

A tornado is captured in Champaign, Illinois, on Feb. 27, 2023. (Courtesy of Andrew Pritchard)

At least two brief tornadoes touched down in the Chicago suburbs Monday — one in Joliet and another on the far north side of Naperville. 

(Dan Lambert / WTTW News)

A winter weather advisory has been issued for 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Chicago area. Slippery pavement will be a bigger issue than snow accumulation.

WTTW News explains the science behind lake effect snow. (Hint: We’re lucky to be on this side of Lake Michigan.)

Snow falls in the North Park neighborhood on Jan. 25, 2023. (Dan Lambert / WTTW News)

Lingering lake effect snow could make the evening rush hour an equal exercise in patience, according to the National Weather Service.

(Nikita Khandelwal / Pexels)

The National Weather Service is trackiThe National Weather Service is tracking a storm set to hit late Tuesday, with peak snowfall during Wednesday morning’s commute. The greatest snow totals are expected east of I-55 and south of I-80.ng a storm set to hit late Tuesday, with peak snowfall during Wednesday morning's commute. The greatest snow totals are expected east of I-55 and south of I-80.

(WTTW News)

With temperatures averaging in the mid to high 30s, Chicago is seeing its fourth warmest January on record. Climatologist Trent Ford said the only years that were warmer were 1880, 1939 and 2006.

(City of Chicago)
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The Department of Streets and Sanitation has announced the 50 finalists in the contest. Voting is open to Chicago residents through Jan. 31.

Zebra shark. (Brenna Hernandez / Shedd Aquarium)

From industrious sharks to the bird of the year, here’s what caught our attention this week on the climate and nature beat.