NIU Today

With the unseasonably frigid air this week, memories resurfaced of last winter’s biting cold, brought on by the dreaded polar vortex. But as NIU climatologist David Changnon points out, it’s not simply the cold that makes us miserable. Changnon, who has been studying the impacts of last winter for an upcoming publication, can describe the...

For storm chasers, the coming of spring means one thing: tornadoes. Recent tornado-related disasters have led experts to wonder how climate change is affecting the frequency and intensity of these destructive storms. At the next STEM Café, NIU STEM Outreach will present “Chasing the Storm: Tornadoes in a Warming World.” This free presentation and discussion...

Northern Illinois University has been re-certified at a very important level of readiness in protecting students, faculty and staff from severe weather. StormReady locations, including universities, are better prepared to take the right actions to save lives when severe weather strikes. This preparedness comes about through better planning, education and awareness of weather hazards. The requirements to become and maintain StormReady...

As the severe weather season approaches, NIU Weather and the NIU American Meteorological Society are offering the opportunity to become a trained weather spotter. The weather spotters training will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, in the Cole Hall Auditorium. This event is free, open to the public and does not require pre-registration...

In an effort to ensure the safety of NIU students, faculty and staff given the rapid intensification of the snowstorm, NIU recommends all students, faculty and staff avoid travel until 4 p.m. today. All faculty, staff and students already on campus should remain there until after 4 p.m. Those currently off-campus should remain where they...

With the winter storm season here again, Northern Illinois University provides the following recommendations to heed during extreme winter weather conditions. Stay indoors if possible Residents should have a battery operated radio, extra blankets, and a three-day supply of essentials such as water, non-perishable foods, first-aid supplies, medication, pet supplies and batteries. Prepare a list of...

Counselors in the College of Education’s Department of Counseling, Adult and Higher Education (CAHE) will offer counseling in response to Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the Philippines on Nov. 8, and the Nov. 16 tornadoes that struck Illinois. “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the university community who has been – or...

Because of unplayable field conditions at Ralph McKinzie Field, Northern Illinois baseball’s home-opening series with Mid-American Conference foe Kent State has been moved to Les Miller Field on the campus of the University of Illinois-Chicago. Les Miller Field is located at 901 W. Roosevelt Road in downtown Chicago, near Interstate 90/94. Admission is free to...

Due to the National Weather Service’s heavy snow forecast, the City of DeKalb is highly encouraging residents and visitors to use off-street parking. It is likely that a snow emergency will be declared Tuesday, March 5, with the possibility of a total parking prohibition for the duration of the snow cleanup operation. Residents can use...

As NIU’s meteorologist, I have often been asked the following about the weather of 2012 and early this year: “What’s going on here?”

With the first snowfall of the season predicted for Thursday, university employees and students are reminded that there are numerous ways to check if the weather has forced the university to cancel classes or close campuses. The quickest way is the university’s Winter Weather Information web page, which can be reached  by clicking on the...

Severe weather has already impacted parts of Illinois and neighboring states thus far in 2012, and during Illinois’ Severe Weather Awareness Week, which runs through March 10, Northern Illinois University reminds all students, faculty, staff and visitors to be prepared for severe weather conditions such as flooding, thunderstorms and tornadoes and have emergency plans in...