Joe Strus

First Alert Meteorologist

East Peoria, IL

Joe Strus is the morning Meteorologist at 25 News.

Joe is from Dyer, Indiana, which is located in extreme northwest Indiana, about 25 minutes south of Chicago. He grew up with a fear of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, but eventually developed a passion for weather forecasting. Joe attended Ball State University, where he completed a degree in Meteorology and Climatology in the Fall of 2018. While completing his degree, Joe earned real world broadcast meteorology experience, as an intern at WISH-TV in Indianapolis, and at WGN-TV in Chicago.

After graduation, Joe started his broadcast career as the weekend morning meteorologist at WANE 15 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Outside of forecasting the weather, Joe enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago White Sox. In his free time, Joe is either out on the golf course or strumming his guitar to his favorite Bruce Springsteen tracks.

Weather Forecast

Gorgeous weather for the middle of the week

Updated: Aug. 30, 2023 at 5:37 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Tracking the return of hot temperatures for the extended Holiday weekend.

Weather Forecast

Chance for a few storms this afternoon. Most areas stay dry.

Chance for a few isolated showers/storms Tuesday afternoon

Updated: Aug. 29, 2023 at 6:00 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Late Summer heat returns for Labor Day Weekend.

Weather Forecast

Comfortable August weather to open the work week

Updated: Aug. 28, 2023 at 6:08 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Tracking the chance for a few isolated showers/storms Tuesday.

Weather Forecast

First Alert: Hot, humid, and storms

Updated: Aug. 25, 2023 at 5:58 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Much needed relief from the heat arrives this weekend!

Weather Forecast

Future Heat Index valid Thursday at 2 PM.

First Alert: Near Record Heat Continues Thursday

Updated: Aug. 24, 2023 at 5:49 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Heat related illness remains a primary concern across central Illinois.

Weather Forecast

First Alert: Dangerous Heat Continues

Updated: Aug. 21, 2023 at 8:44 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Near record high temperatures Wednesday and Thursday.

Weather Forecast

Dangerous heat will arrive by the end of the weekend.

Comfortable Friday, dangerous heat arrives by the end of the weekend

Updated: Aug. 18, 2023 at 6:17 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Triple digit heat index values for much of next week. Stay cool!

Weather Forecast

Tracking morning showers Thursday

Updated: Aug. 17, 2023 at 5:34 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Hot and dry stretch of weather arrives for next week.

Weather Forecast

Nice weather Wednesday, tracking showers for Thursday

Updated: Aug. 16, 2023 at 6:00 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Summer HEAT is forecast to return to the region next week.

Weather Forecast

Summer HEAT makes a return into the third week of August.

Upper 70s today, tracking the return of Summer heat for next week

Updated: Aug. 15, 2023 at 5:55 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Most of the upcoming forecast looks to run dry.

Weather Forecast

Level 1 Risk for severe weather over the northeastern portion of the area.

Scattered storms Monday

Updated: Aug. 14, 2023 at 5:34 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Tracking the return of Summer HEAT in the extended forecast.

Weather Forecast

Few storms possible Tuesday, tracking more storms for Wednesday

Updated: Aug. 8, 2023 at 6:01 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Severe weather chances appear relatively low through Wednesday.

Weather Forecast

Unsettled pattern to bring more rain and storms this week

Updated: Aug. 7, 2023 at 4:58 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Near average temperatures for most of the extended forecast.

Weather Forecast

Dry end to the work week, tracking weekend storm chances

Updated: Aug. 4, 2023 at 6:14 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

T-Storms are possible both Saturday and Sunday.

Weather Forecast

Sunshine returns for Thursday and Friday

Updated: Aug. 3, 2023 at 6:05 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Tracking the chance for strong to severe storms this weekend.

Weather Forecast

Shower chances increase later today

Updated: Aug. 2, 2023 at 6:05 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Tracking additional storm chances for the upcoming weekend.

Weather Forecast

Dry weather continues Tuesday, tracking some raindrops for Wednesday

Updated: Aug. 1, 2023 at 6:04 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Unsettled weather pattern will bring more rain chances into the weekend.

Weather Forecast

Highs in the mid 80s across central Illinois Monday.

Near average temperatures for the last day of July

Updated: Jul. 31, 2023 at 5:35 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Shower chances return for the middle of the work week.

Weather Forecast

Heat Index Projection at 5 PM Thursday. Stay cool!

First Alert: Excessive Heat Warning now in effect across central Illinois

Updated: Jul. 27, 2023 at 6:05 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Storm chances increase for the start of the weekend.

Weather Forecast

Future Heat Index valid at 4 PM Wednesday.

First Alert: Heat index climbs into the 100s this afternoon

Updated: Jul. 26, 2023 at 6:03 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Storm chances will be limited until Friday evening.

Weather Forecast

First Alert: Dangerous heat and humidity this week

Updated: Jul. 25, 2023 at 6:03 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

A few rounds of showers and storms will accompany the heat.

Weather Forecast

Futurecast Heat Index valid at 5 PM Thursday.

Intense heat to build this week

Updated: Jul. 24, 2023 at 6:00 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Tracking daily storm chances as the humidity climbs.

Weather Forecast

Keep an eye on radar this weekend. Most areas will stay dry, but a few storms will be possible.

Mostly dry this weekend, tracking a few storm chances

Updated: Jul. 21, 2023 at 6:22 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Humidity will remain at comfortable levels for most of the weekend.

Weather Forecast

Cold frontal passage will bring the chance for a shower or two today.

Nice outdoor weather heading into the weekend

Updated: Jul. 20, 2023 at 6:06 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Humidity falls to more comfortable levels later today.

Weather Forecast

Summary of Wednesday's Weather Headlines.

Near average with limited storm chances through the weekend

Updated: Jul. 19, 2023 at 5:48 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

90s return in the extended forecast!

Weather Forecast

Air quality improves Tuesday

Updated: Jul. 18, 2023 at 5:56 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Mainly dry weather over the next few days!

Weather Forecast

Level 2 Slight Risk in place across the majority of the viewing area.

Severe storm threat increasing Friday evening

Updated: Jul. 14, 2023 at 7:39 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Most of the weekend is trending dry!

Weather Forecast

Central Illinois remains in the corridor of most favorable storm chances over the coming days.

Mainly dry Thursday, storm chances return Friday

Updated: Jul. 13, 2023 at 5:59 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Unsettled Summer pattern continues through the weekend.

Weather Forecast

T-Storms likely Wednesday, some may be strong to severe

Updated: Jul. 12, 2023 at 6:11 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rain.

Weather Forecast

Level 2 (Slight) Risk for severe weather in place across central Illinois Wednesday.

Daily storm chances over the next week

Updated: Jul. 11, 2023 at 6:04 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Humidity climbs to uncomfortable levels.

Weather Forecast

Active weather returns with multiple chances for storms this week.

Sunny Monday, storms return later this week

Updated: Jul. 10, 2023 at 5:59 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

A few storms may be strong to severe this week.

Weather Forecast

Wet weather returns for the start of the weekend

Updated: Jul. 7, 2023 at 6:05 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Second half of the weekend looks good!

Weather Forecast

Below average temperatures and lower humidity Thursday

Updated: Jul. 6, 2023 at 5:57 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Tracking the next chance for rain heading into the weekend.

Weather Forecast

Summary of Wednesday's severe storm threat.

Tropical heat and humidity to fuel severe storm chances Wednesday

Updated: Jul. 5, 2023 at 5:59 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Trending cooler and less humid for the rest of the week.

Weather Forecast

Another round of severe storms possible Friday.

Foggy start to Friday, tracking more strong storm chances

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023 at 6:38 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

A few rounds of storms on track for the weekend.

Weather Forecast

First Alert Weather Day: Severe storms and smoke

Updated: Jun. 29, 2023 at 7:40 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

A few rounds of strong to severe storms possible.

Weather Forecast

Air Quality status as of Wednesday Morning.

First Alert Weather Day: Dangerous Air Quality Continues Wednesday

Updated: Jun. 28, 2023 at 6:00 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Storm chances increase over the next few days.

Weather Forecast

Wildfire smoke will create hazy skies Tuesday.

Hazy skies today, storm chances on the rise later this week

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023 at 6:05 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Temperatures are forecast to stay hot into the start of July.

Weather Forecast

Shower chance Monday, heat returns later this week

Updated: Jun. 26, 2023 at 5:59 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Additional storm chances later in the week.

Weather Forecast

Hot today, severe storms possible tonight

Updated: Jun. 24, 2023 at 5:59 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Damaging wind and large hail serve as primary threats.

Weather Forecast

Hot weekend temperatures with strong storms possible

Updated: Jun. 23, 2023 at 6:06 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Storms may bring much needed rain to portions of central Illinois.

Ag Weather

Latest Drought Monitor issued Thursday, June 22.

Severe drought expands to more of central Illinois

Updated: Jun. 22, 2023 at 8:12 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Hot and dry weather continues to produce worsening drought conditions.

Weather Forecast

More pool days ahead!

Updated: Jun. 22, 2023 at 5:51 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Highs in the 90s through the weekend.

Weather Forecast

Summer 2023 begins hot and sunny!

Updated: Jun. 21, 2023 at 5:58 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Highs in the low 90s through this weekend.

Weather Forecast

Unhealthy air quality Tuesday

Updated: Jun. 20, 2023 at 7:51 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Hot, hazy, and dry trend continues.

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will climb to around 90° Monday afternoon.

Hot and dry weather for much of the upcoming week

Updated: Jun. 19, 2023 at 6:06 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Highs near 90° through next weekend.

Weather Forecast

Air Quality Improves to the "Moderate" Category Friday.

Not as smoky Friday, tracking weekend storm chances

Updated: Jun. 16, 2023 at 5:52 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Extended forecast runs mainly hot and dry next week.

Ag Weather

Latest Drought Monitor issued Thursday morning.

Severe drought occurring for portions of central Illinois

Updated: Jun. 15, 2023 at 8:01 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Much of the upcoming forecast remains hot and dry.

Weather Forecast

Poor air quality Thursday due to wildfire smoke.

Surface smoke to bring air quality concerns Thursday

Updated: Jun. 15, 2023 at 6:07 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Next best chance for rain will be on Father's Day.

Weather Forecast

Wildfire smoke will create hazy skies over the Midwest Wednesday and Thursday.

Smoky, hazy skies make a return over central Illinois

Updated: Jun. 14, 2023 at 5:52 AM CDT

By Joe Strus

Tracking weekend rain and storm chances.

Joe Strus

First Alert Meteorologist

East Peoria, IL

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