Springfield, Illinois – Strong wind gusts and bone-dry air will combine to create an elevated fire danger across central Illinois Wednesday, especially along and north of the I-72 corridor where grasses remain dormant and highly combustible.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, west to southwest winds will gust between 25 and 30 mph from late morning through early evening Wednesday, while afternoon humidity levels drop as low as 15 to 20 percent. The highest concern stretches from Macomb to Pontiac and northward, where stronger winds may linger longer into the afternoon.
Communities including Peoria, Bloomington, Galesburg and Champaign sit inside the primary risk zone. Even routine outdoor activities such as parking on dry grass, towing chains that spark or discarding cigarettes could ignite fast-moving fires. Fire officials urge residents to avoid open burning and delay debris burns until conditions improve.
Drivers along Interstate 74, Interstate 55 and rural highways may notice blowing dust in open fields, adding to visibility concerns. Farmers and landowners should secure equipment and avoid field burning during peak wind hours.
Conditions improve after sunset as winds ease, but the dry pattern may persist into late week. Additional fire weather statements could be issued if humidity remains low.
Five Day Forecast for Springfield, Illinois
Wednesday: Sunny and breezy. High near 60. West winds gusting to 30 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny and calmer. High near 55.
Friday: Partly cloudy. High in the upper 50s.
Saturday: Increasing clouds with a chance of showers. High near 52.
Sunday: Partly sunny. High in the mid 50s.
