Chicago, Illinois – Wind gusts up to 45 mph combined with dry air and temperatures in the mid-60s are creating conditions ripe for rapid fire spread across northern Illinois this afternoon, especially west of I-55 and the Fox Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect through early Wednesday evening for areas west of the Fox Valley and I-55, including Rockford, DeKalb, Ottawa and portions of LaSalle County. Westerly winds will strengthen late this morning, with peak gusts between 35 and 45 mph during the mid- to late afternoon. Relative humidity values are expected to drop low enough to allow any grass or brush fire to spread quickly.
In the Chicago metro, including O’Hare, Schaumburg and Joliet, elevated fire weather conditions will persist even outside the warning area. Open fields along I-90, I-88 and I-80 are particularly vulnerable to fast-moving flames if sparks ignite dry vegetation.
Conditions begin to shift Thursday as showers and thunderstorms move across northern Illinois. Some storms, especially south of I-80 into central Illinois and northwest Indiana, could become severe during the afternoon and early evening hours with damaging winds the primary concern.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains to prevent roadside sparks and properly discard cigarettes. Fire officials urge caution with any equipment that could create heat or sparks. The Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday, and additional advisories could be issued if winds remain strong into the evening.
