Friday, October 3, 2025

What is a Red Flag Warning?

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Red Flag Warning Issued for Chicago Area, Record-Breaking Heat Expected

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of the Chicago area, warning of strong wind gusts and record-breaking heat. According to the NWS, a Red Flag Warning means "critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly." This warning is issued due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures, which can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

As of 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, wind gusts were already reaching 30 miles-per-hour in some areas, with gusts expected to reach 45 mph by the end of the day. Temperatures are also expected to soar, with highs reaching the low-to-mid 80s by afternoon. This threatens to break the 25-year-old record high of 78 degrees set in 1999.

The warm temperatures and gusty winds create a high fire risk, with the Red Flag Warning set to go into effect on Tuesday afternoon for much of the Chicago area. Strong winds paired with warm and dry conditions will create a "significant fire risk," the NWS said, with "favorable conditions" for rapid-spreading brush and grass fires, especially in areas near and south of I-80.

Red Flag Warning Issued

The Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday for DuPage, Cook, La Salle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee counties in Illinois, and Porter, Newton, and Jasper counties in Indiana. Record warmth, strong southwest winds, and dry conditions will allow any grass or brush fires to spread out of control, especially in the magenta-shaded counties.

Halloween Forecast

As for the Halloween forecast, trick-or-treaters can expect warm temperatures, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, but it may be a bit chilly by trick-or-treating time, with readings in the upper 40s. Roman said, "It’s kinda chilly, but at least it’s not snow and it stays dry for the trick-or-treaters."

Strong Winds

The strong winds will also cause loose objects such as Halloween decorations to move around. The NWS warned that periods of strong winds will prevail through Thursday, with the strongest winds expected on Wednesday night into Thursday. Hold onto your hat! Right now, the strongest winds are favored in the Wednesday night to Thursday timeframe.

Conclusion

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Chicago area due to the combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures. This warns of a high fire risk, with record-breaking heat expected on Tuesday. The Chicago area can expect warm temperatures, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s, but it may be a bit chilly by trick-or-treating time.

FAQs

Q: What is a Red Flag Warning?
A: A Red Flag Warning means "critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly."

Q: What causes a high fire risk?
A: Strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can cause a high fire risk.

Q: What is the record high temperature in the Chicago area?
A: The record high temperature in the Chicago area is 78 degrees, set in 1999.

Q: What is the expected temperature on Halloween?
A: Trick-or-treaters can expect highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, but it may be a bit chilly by trick-or-treating time, with readings in the upper 40s.

Q: What is the expected wind speed?
A: Wind gusts can reach 30-45 mph, with the strongest winds expected on Wednesday night into Thursday.

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