LINCOLN, Ill. – Fire danger remains high across central Illinois this evening as gusty winds and dry air create prime conditions for rapid fire spread. Southerly winds are expected to reach 30 mph, while humidity levels may dip into the 25–35% range, keeping the landscape tinder-dry through tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, residents should avoid any outdoor burning and farmers should use caution during harvest. The combination of strong winds and dry fields could lead to localized blowing dust, reduced visibility, and degraded air quality. Even minor sparks could ignite fast-moving field fires, especially in open rural areas.
While no storms are expected overnight, a shift in weather arrives late Monday into Tuesday as scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms move in. The severe threat appears low, but a few storms could bring heavy rainfall to portions of central and east-central Illinois.
Spotter activation is not anticipated Sunday night, but residents are urged to stay alert for changing conditions and avoid unnecessary burning until humidity recovers early in the week.
Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, IL:
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 84°F. Winds south 10–15 mph.
- Tuesday: Chance of showers and storms, high near 72°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 70°F.
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 69°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 71°F.
