Severe Thunderstorms in the Central Plains; Heavy Rainfall in the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys; Critical Fire Weather in the Southwest

Scattered severe storms capable of large to very large hail, severe wind gusts, and a few tornadoes will be possible across the central Plains. Heavy rain will pose a flash flood threat across portions of the Mississippi Valley into the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys. Hot, dry and windy conditions will continue to bring a critical fire weather threat from the Southwest into the Great Basin. Read More >

The National Weather Service Chicago Office is responsible for providing fire weather forecasts for Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana. The fire weather service program provides forecast and warning services for the prevention, suppression, and management of forest and rangeland fires.

NWS Chicago issues a daily narrative fire weather forecast each morning by 6 AM Central time. During the spring and fall, this forecast product is also updated during the late morning and again during the mid-late afternoon. This forecast consists of a brief weather discussion and a detailed 48-hour forecast of weather, temperatures, relative humidity, winds, and smoke dispersion parameters.

Fire Weather Forecast Information:

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2026 Annual Operating Plan, click here.

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Severe Thunderstorms in the Central Plains; Heavy Rainfall in the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys; Critical Fire Weather in the Southwest

Fire Weather Forecast Information for northern Illinois and northwest Indiana