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Illinois + Indiana: Extreme fire behavior possible today! 🔥



A rare combination of dangerous fire weather conditions and an elevated potential for dust storms exists across portions of central Illinois and Indiana this afternoon and evening (Tue, Oct 29). A similar risk may carry into the day on Wednesday.


A strengthening area of low pressure over the Plains will increase southerly winds to 20-30 mph, with gusts over 40 mph across the Midwest. Across central Illinois and Indiana, record warm temperatures and low relative humidity will combine with recent dry weather conditions and dry vegetation to create favorable conditions for extreme fire behavior. This means any fires that start may catch and spread rapidly.


A Red Flag Warning is in effect, and the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the region in their latest Fire Weather Outlook.


For residents, be fire aware today. Avoid burning, and be aware of sparks from chains dragging behind vehicles or other activities. Do not park vehicles or other hot machinery near combustibles like dry grass or other vegetation.


Additionally, recently harvested fields may allow loose soil to blow around easily leading to localized brown-outs. If you are driving and come upon low visibility from blowing dust, pull over and wait for conditions to improve or find an alternate route. Similar conditions are possible tomorrow afternoon, but an incoming cold front and showers and storms will usher in a cooler and quieter finish to the week.





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