Chicago, Illinois – Outdoor burning could turn dangerous Friday across northern Illinois, as gusty southwest winds and dry air create ripe conditions for fast-spreading fires.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Friday morning through Friday evening for 18 counties, including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, and Winnebago. Winds could reach 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, while relative humidity may drop as low as 20 percent — a volatile combination for fire growth.
The alert spans much of the Chicago metro, as well as Rockford, DeKalb, Kankakee, and Pontiac. Any spark from discarded cigarettes, power tools, or campfires could escalate quickly. Residents are urged to delay any outdoor burning and use caution with machinery that may emit sparks.
This elevated fire danger comes during an unusually dry stretch for mid-May. While no Red Flag Warning has been issued yet, fire weather conditions may worsen if dry fuels and winds persist into the weekend.
The Fire Weather Watch remains in effect through 7 p.m. Friday. Additional warnings may follow if fire conditions intensify.
