Overview
- The National Weather Service watch runs from Wednesday morning through the evening across much of the region, with heightened danger for rapid fire spread.
- Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid to upper 60s, far above the mid-to-upper 30s typical for mid-February.
- Sustained winds of 15–25 mph with gusts of 35–40+ mph are expected, and relative humidity may drop to around 15 percent.
- Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and officials say a Red Flag Warning could be issued if conditions deteriorate.
- A separate system Thursday carries a Marginal to Slight severe risk mainly south of I-88 in northeast Illinois and south of I-80 in northwest Indiana, followed by a cooler turn into the 40s Friday and 30s over the weekend.