Press "Enter" to skip to content

Dry, windy conditions elevate fire risk across most of northern Illinois

Warm, dry, and windy conditions could lead to significant fire risk Saturday from Lake Michigan west to Lee, Ogle and Winnebago counties, the National Weather Service warned Friday.

Dry conditions and breezy winds Friday began to increase the risk for fire mainly along and north of Interstate 88 and along the Interstate 39 corridor, according to a hazardous weather outlook issued Friday morning.

That risk was predicted to increase Saturday as the wind picks up, according to the outlook.

Southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected Saturday across parts of north central and northeast Illinois, including McHenry, Lake, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Cook and northern Will counties, according to a wind advisory scheduled to take effect noon Saturday and run through 7 p.m. that same day.

“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects,” the advisory states. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”

The National Weather Service recommended using extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle, and securing outdoor objects.

Source: The Daily Chronicle

Be First to Comment

    Leave a Reply