Wind Advisory
* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected.
* WHERE...Portions of north central and northeast Illinois and
northwest Indiana.
* WHEN...From 6 AM CST /7 AM EST/ to 4 PM CST /5 PM EST/ Friday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
From: Feb 20, 2026 12:00
Until: Feb 20, 2026 22:00
Special Weather Statement
ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR MUCH OF SOUTHERN WI...
Clearing skies during the day Wednesday will lead to strong mixing
and thus relative humidities are expected to plummet to 15-25%
with very breezy winds (gusts to 40mph). This will lead to an
increased concern for fire weather.
From: Feb 18, 2026 06:36
Until: Feb 19, 2026 00:00
Wind Advisory
* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected.
* WHERE...Boone, De Kalb, Lee, Central Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake IL,
McHenry, and Northern Cook Counties.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
From: Feb 18, 2026 14:55
Until: Feb 19, 2026 00:00
Red Flag Warning
...RED FLAG WARNING EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CHICAGO METRO...
Conditions will turn very dry and windy this afternoon, making
conditions supportive of brush fire spread. Even with rainfall
last night generally 0.05 to 0.15 of an inch across northeastern
Illinois, the combination of warm, dry, and windy conditions will
cause fine fuels to dry out by early afternoon. As a result, the
Red Flag Warning was expanded to include Cook, DuPage, Will,
Kankakee, and Lake (IL) Counties until 8 PM this evening.
* Affected Area...Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Ogle, Lee, De Kalb,
Kane, La Salle, Kendall, Grundy and Livingston.
* Timing...Until 8 PM CST this evening.
* Winds...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 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.
From: Feb 18, 2026 15:03
Until: Feb 18, 2026 23:15
Red Flag Warning
...RED FLAG WARNING EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CHICAGO METRO...
Conditions will turn very dry and windy this afternoon, making
conditions supportive of brush fire spread. Even with rainfall
last night generally 0.05 to 0.15 of an inch across northeastern
Illinois, the combination of warm, dry, and windy conditions will
cause fine fuels to dry out by early afternoon. As a result, the
Red Flag Warning was expanded to include Cook, DuPage, Will,
Kankakee, and Lake (IL) Counties until 8 PM 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.
From: Feb 18, 2026 15:03
Until: Feb 18, 2026 23:15
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Lake effect snow expected. Additional snow accumulations
ranging from up to 3 inches near the Illinois-Indiana stateline to
less than 1 inch west of Interstate 57.
* WHERE...Eastern Will County.
* WHEN...Until 4 PM CST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snowfall rates up to 1 inch per hour are
possible as a lake effect snow band settles over the area late
morning into early afternoon.
From: Jan 31, 2026 08:34
Until: Jan 31, 2026 18:45
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Lake effect snow expected. Additional snow accumulations
between 2 and 4 inches along the Cook County shore to 1 inch or
less along and west of the Interstate 294 corridor. Localized
totals over 4 inches possible along the shore.
* WHERE...Central Cook, Northern Cook, and Southern Cook Counties.
* WHEN...Until 4 PM CST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A main lake effect snow band is expected to
move over the area prior to sunrise, then settle along the Cook
County shore, including downtown Chicago, through the day. Though
the intensity of snow will gradually diminish through the day,
localized snowfall rates over 1 inch per hour are expected this
morning.
From: Jan 31, 2026 08:34
Until: Jan 31, 2026 18:45
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations could
locally exceed 4 inches, especially near the Illinois-Indiana
stateline.
* WHERE...Eastern Will County.
* WHEN...From 6 AM to 4 PM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The band of snow is expected to shift back
westward into parts of northeastern Illinois Saturday morning, and
this could result in additional localized accumulations and travel
impacts.
From: Jan 31, 2026 03:01
Until: Jan 31, 2026 13:15
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Lake effect snow expected Saturday morning. Total snow
accumulations could locally exceed 3 inches, especially near the
lake.
* WHERE...Central Cook and Southern Cook Counties.
* WHEN...From 6 AM to 4 PM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Localized hazardous travel is expected on Saturday
especially near the lake.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A band of lake effect snow is expected to
shift back westward Saturday morning, and is expected to impact
parts of northeastern Illinois on Saturday. While the footprint of
accumulating snow is likely to be lower, localized additional
accumulations and associated travel impacts are expected.
From: Jan 31, 2026 03:01
Until: Jan 31, 2026 13:15
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Lake effect snow expected Saturday morning. Total snow
accumulations could locally exceed 3 inches, especially near the
lake.
* WHERE...Northern Cook County.
* WHEN...From 6 AM to 4 PM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The band of snow is expected to shift back
westward into parts of northeastern Illinois Saturday morning.
This will likely result in additional localized accumulations and
travel impacts.
From: Jan 31, 2026 03:01
Until: Jan 31, 2026 13:15
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 20 below expected.
* WHERE...Central Cook County.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to noon CST Monday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
From: Jan 25, 2026 16:05
Until: Jan 26, 2026 02:15
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 20 TO 25 below expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and
northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana.
* WHEN...From midnight CST tonight to noon CST Monday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
From: Jan 25, 2026 16:05
Until: Jan 26, 2026 02:15
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one
inch.Visibility may occasionally drop below 1 mile, particularly
during the day on Sunday.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and
northeast Illinois.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Roads will be snow covered and travel hazardous.
From: Jan 25, 2026 18:24
Until: Jan 26, 2026 00:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow will end this afternoon with additional accumulation
generally an inch or less.
* WHERE...Lake IL County.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Roads will be snow covered and travel hazardous.
From: Jan 25, 2026 18:24
Until: Jan 26, 2026 00:00
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 26 below expected.
* WHERE...Portions of east central, south central, and southeast
Wisconsin.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to noon CST Monday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
From: Jan 25, 2026 15:43
Until: Jan 25, 2026 23:45
Winter Storm Warning
* WHAT...Snow, heavy at times, will end from north to south this
afternoon. Additional snowfall of an inch or two northern Cook
County ranging to 2 to 4 additional inches over southeast Cook
County. Storm total snowfall will range from 2 to 4 inches
northwest Cook County to 6 to 12 inches near the lake.
* WHERE...Central Cook, Northern Cook, and Southern Cook Counties.
* WHEN...Until 4 PM CST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Travel will remain hazardous into this afternoon.
From: Jan 25, 2026 18:24
Until: Jan 25, 2026 22:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations up to 3
inches for a snowfall total up to 5 inches over eastern portions
of the county. Locally higher totals possible along the immediate
Lake Michigan shoreline.
* WHERE...Kenosha County.
* WHEN...Until 3 PM CST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.
From: Jan 25, 2026 15:28
Until: Jan 25, 2026 21:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Lake effect snow. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 6
inches, lowest totals over western portions of Lake County and
northwest Cook County. Isolated totals over 6 inches possible
within a few miles of the lakeshore.
* WHERE...Central Cook, Lake IL, and Northern Cook Counties.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous.
From: Jan 25, 2026 09:55
Until: Jan 25, 2026 20:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches,
highest east of Interstate 55 and south of Interstate 80.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and
northeast Illinois.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous.
From: Jan 25, 2026 09:55
Until: Jan 25, 2026 20:00
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 20 to 25 below expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and
northeast Illinois.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to noon CST Monday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
From: Jan 25, 2026 08:35
Until: Jan 25, 2026 18:45
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills around 20 below expected.
* WHERE...Central Cook County.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to noon CST Monday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
From: Jan 25, 2026 08:35
Until: Jan 25, 2026 18:45
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to
4 inches over far eastern Kenosha County. Locally higher totals
possible along the immediate Lake Michigan shoreline.
* WHERE...Kenosha County.
* WHEN...Until 3 PM CST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.
From: Jan 25, 2026 08:27
Until: Jan 25, 2026 18:00
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 26 below expected.
* WHERE...Portions of east central, south central, and southeast
Wisconsin.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to noon CST Monday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 26 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
From: Jan 25, 2026 08:29
Until: Jan 25, 2026 18:00
Hydrologic Outlook
ESFLOT
Cold temperatures this week have caused a significant increase in
river ice across the area, including multiple ice jams. Cold
temperatures are expected to continue into next week, with favorable
conditions for river ice formation. Areas of open river may see new
ice growth, while areas with existing ice cover my thicken.
No widespread flooding is expected, but ice jams will be possible in
isolated areas, especially along the Rock, Fox, and Kankakee rivers.
Ice jams may cause rises or fluctuations on area rivers with little
warning.
Persons with interests along area rivers should closely monitor the
latest forecasts.
From: Jan 23, 2026 20:20
Until: Jan 24, 2026 18:00
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 25 to 30 below this morning.
* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, and northeast Illinois.
* WHEN...Until noon CST today.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 to 30
below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as
30 minutes.
From: Jan 24, 2026 07:58
Until: Jan 24, 2026 18:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 6
inches, highest within a few miles of the lakeshore. Lower snow
totals are forecasted across western portions of Lake and northern
Cook counties.
* WHERE...Central Cook, Lake IL, and Northern Cook Counties.
* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 PM CST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous.
From: Jan 24, 2026 07:51
Until: Jan 24, 2026 18:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5
inches, highest east of Interstate 55. Lower snow totals are
forecasted across northwestern portions of La Salle, Kendall, and
DuPage counties.
* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, and northeast Illinois.
* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 PM CST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous.
From: Jan 24, 2026 07:51
Until: Jan 24, 2026 18:00
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below.
* WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Wisconsin.
* WHEN...Until noon CST today.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
From: Jan 24, 2026 11:47
Until: Jan 24, 2026 18:00
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 20 to 30 below this morning.
* WHERE...Central Cook County.
* WHEN...Until noon CST today.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 30
minutes.
From: Jan 24, 2026 07:58
Until: Jan 24, 2026 18:00
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 25 to 30 below.
* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, and northeast Illinois.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 to 30
below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as
30 minutes.
From: Jan 23, 2026 20:52
Until: Jan 24, 2026 13:15
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 15 to 30 below expected.
* WHERE...Central Cook County.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 30
minutes.
From: Jan 23, 2026 18:04
Until: Jan 24, 2026 13:15
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 31 below.
* WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Wisconsin.
* WHEN...Until noon CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
From: Jan 24, 2026 03:35
Until: Jan 24, 2026 11:45
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 25 below.
* WHERE...Central Cook County.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
From: Jan 23, 2026 20:52
Until: Jan 24, 2026 07:00
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 15 to 30 below expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, and northeast Illinois.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 30
minutes.
From: Jan 23, 2026 18:04
Until: Jan 24, 2026 04:15
Extreme Cold Warning
* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills
as low as 35 to 40 below zero this morning. For the Cold Weather
Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 20 to 29 below zero
expected this afternoon through Saturday morning.
* WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Wisconsin.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 1 PM CST this
afternoon. For the Cold Weather Advisory, until noon CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
From: Jan 23, 2026 16:11
Until: Jan 24, 2026 00:15
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills
as low as 35 to 40 below zero this morning. For the Cold Weather
Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 20 to 29 below zero
expected this afternoon through Saturday morning.
* WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Wisconsin.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 1 PM CST this
afternoon. For the Cold Weather Advisory, until noon CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero
could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
From: Jan 23, 2026 16:11
Until: Jan 24, 2026 00:15
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills
of 30 to 35 below zero expected. For the Cold Weather Advisory,
bitterly cold wind chills of 15 to 30 below zero expected.
* WHERE...Central Cook County.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until noon CST today. For the
Cold Weather Advisory, from noon today to 9 AM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite
on exposed skin in as few as 10 minutes.
From: Jan 23, 2026 09:01
Until: Jan 23, 2026 19:15
Extreme Cold Warning
* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills
of 30 to 40 below zero expected. For the Cold Weather Advisory,
bitterly cold wind chills of 15 to 30 below zero expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, and northeast Illinois.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until noon CST today. For the
Cold Weather Advisory, from noon today to 9 AM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite
on exposed skin in as few as 10 minutes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Coldest wind chills are expected across
interior portions of northern Illinois.
From: Jan 23, 2026 09:01
Until: Jan 23, 2026 19:15
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills
of 30 to 40 below zero expected. For the Cold Weather Advisory,
bitterly cold wind chills of 15 to 30 below zero expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, and northeast Illinois.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until noon CST today. For the
Cold Weather Advisory, from noon today to 9 AM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite
on exposed skin in as few as 10 minutes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Coldest wind chills are expected across
interior portions of northern Illinois.
From: Jan 23, 2026 09:01
Until: Jan 23, 2026 19:15
Extreme Cold Warning
* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills
of 30 to 35 below zero expected. For the Cold Weather Advisory,
bitterly cold wind chills of 15 to 30 below zero expected.
* WHERE...Central Cook County.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until noon CST today. For the
Cold Weather Advisory, from noon today to 9 AM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite
on exposed skin in as few as 10 minutes.
From: Jan 23, 2026 09:01
Until: Jan 23, 2026 19:15
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills
as low as 40 below. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind
chills as low as 30 below expected.
* WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Wisconsin.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 1 PM CST this
afternoon. For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 1 PM this afternoon
to noon CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on
exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
From: Jan 23, 2026 09:14
Until: Jan 23, 2026 18:00
Extreme Cold Warning
* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills
as low as 40 below. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind
chills as low as 30 below expected.
* WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Wisconsin.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 1 PM CST this
afternoon. For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 1 PM this afternoon
to noon CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on
exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
From: Jan 23, 2026 09:14
Until: Jan 23, 2026 18:00
