A red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service for several counties in the Chicago area will go into effect Wednesday morning, with warm temperatures, low humidity and winds nearing 50 miles per hour creating “critical fire conditions,” the NBC 5 Storm Team said.
“Very dry, very windy,” NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, of what to expect.
Winds were picking up in the early morning hours, Roman said, with gusts as high as 20 and 30 mph. The strongest winds would come later in the day, Roman said, with the red flag warning going into effect at 10 a.m. for McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, LaSalle, Kendall and Grundy Counties.
Through 8 p.m., wind gusts of 45 mph or higher could occur, especially along and west of the Fox Valley and I-55.
“The combination of unseasonably warm and exceptionally dry conditions and gusty winds will result in a significant risk for grass and brush fire spread this afternoon,” the NWS warned. “Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
Elsewhere, including in Lake, DuPage, Cook, Will and Kankakee Counties in Illinois and Kenosha Counties in Wisconsin, the NWS issued a special weather statement warning of elevated fire danger.
Temperatures in the 60s
The winds will be accompanied by warm weather, with temperatures well into the 60s, Roman said. Waukegan could reach 64 degrees, Roman said, while Kankakee could hit 69.
Another warm day was expected Thursday, Roman said. Thursday also brings the chance for severe weather.
According to the NWS, parts to the far south and east will be under a “slight” risk of severe weather Thursday afternoon, which ranks as level two of five. Cook, Kankakee, Will and LaSalle Counties will be under a “maringal” threat, which ranks as level one.
“Storms move in by afternoon, around 2 p.m.,” Roman said, with showers forming ahead of that. The potential for the strongest storms is south of Kankakee.
If storms do become severe, they could produce tornadoes, damaging winds and damaging hail, the NWS said, though the forecast still remains uncertain.
Storms are expected to move out quickly Thursday, Roman said, by about 5 p.m. Friday, flurries could fly, Roman said, with temperatures back in the 30s over the weekend.
What is a red flag warning?
According to the NWS, a red flag warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and strong winds could combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.
During a red flag warning, people are advised to not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle, because they could ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
“Extinguish all outdoor fires properly,” the NWS warned. “Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.”
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
Hence then, the article about chicago weather red flag warning issued amid 60 degree temperatures as severe storm chances loom was published today ( ) and is available on NBC Chicago ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Chicago weather: Red flag warning issued amid 60 degree temperatures as severe storm chances loom )
Also on site :
- TTW Announces Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations in the World for 2026
- 'Barbie' Star Shares Emotional Tribute to Eric Dane
- Donald Trump Calls On Netflix To Fire Board Member Susan Rice Or “Pay The Consequences”