Active Weather Alerts
Red Flag Warning
Issued: 3:03 PM Feb. 18, 2026 – National Weather Service
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CST THIS EVENING... The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect until 8 PM CST this evening. * Affected Area...Lake IL, DuPage, Cook, Will and Kankakee. * Timing...Until 8 PM CST this evening. * Winds...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * Relative Humidity...As low as 15 to 20 percent. * Impacts...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. &&
Special Weather Statement
Issued: 7:08 AM Feb. 18, 2026 – National Weather Service
...Elevated Fire Danger Today... The combination of unseasonably warm temperatures, low relative humidity and gusty westerly winds will lead to a heightened threat of brush fire ignition and spread this afternoon. Any fires that ignite may become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.
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