Chicago, Illinois – A single spark could race across dry fields by late morning as wind gusts approach 45 mph across northern Illinois, prompting a Red Flag Warning through the evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday for Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Ogle, Lee, De Kalb, Kane, La Salle, Kendall and Grundy counties. West winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts between 40 and 45 mph, while relative humidity drops as low as 15 to 20 percent.
The highest fire risk stretches from Rockford and Belvidere south through DeKalb, Aurora, Ottawa and Morris. Open agricultural land along Interstates 90, 88 and 39 could allow fires to spread quickly, especially during peak afternoon winds. Blowing dust may also briefly reduce visibility on rural roads.
Officials strongly discourage outdoor burning and urge residents to secure trailer chains, avoid parking on dry grass and delay any work that creates sparks. Equipment use in open fields could quickly ignite dry vegetation under these conditions.
Winds will gradually ease after sunset, but fire danger remains elevated until humidity recovers later tonight. Additional advisories could be issued if dry conditions persist.
