Critical Fire Weather On Wednesday, Severe Storms Possible Thursday For Chicago Area

A red flag warning has been issued for critical fire weather conditions on Wednesday due to the warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds, according to the National Weather Service.

A red flag warning is in effect for most counties west of the Fox Valley area and Interstate 55. A special weather statement has also been issued for counties closer ot Chicago for an "elevated fire danger."

The weather service said there is a heightened threat of brush fire ignition and spread Wednesday afternoon. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

High temperatures on Wednesday will be 67 degrees, and gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible, the weather service said.

Warm temperatures will also stick around on Thursday, which has a high of 65 degrees.

"Periods of showers and storms are expected on Thursday, some which may be severe," the weather service said on its Facebook.

The weather service noted that it is still uncertain if there will be enough instability for a few storms to become severe. But, if storms do become severe, then tornadoes, damaging hail and damaging winds are possible.

"Every degree in temperature and dew point matter this time of year, so we will be focusing on whether enough instability will develop to carry the threat for severe storms," the weather service said.