Winds of Change for the Next Couple Days

Wind Advisories up for southern Wisconsin and northwest Illinois through 6pm tonight with strong gusty winds through the afternoon and early evening.

Surface winds have turned to the west behind a departing cold front, with the front's low passing into the northern Great Lakes. High pressure is anchored to the southeast, along the east coast and as the low pressure tightens to the north the pressure gradient tightens. This strong pressure gradient is what fuels the stronger winds.

Westerly winds will be sustained around 20-30mph but will gust as high as 45mph. You'll want to use caution while driving today, especially on north and south roads. High profile vehicles will have a difficult time today as well. If you're planning on driving north of Rockford on I-90 or south along I-39 you'll want to take into account those winds!


Those westerly winds will also cause issues for our western counties, a Red Flag Warning have been issued due to dangerous fire conditions. Relative humidity will drop as low as 25%. Burning is highly discouraged today, as any fire can quickly burn out of control. The Red Flag Warning will expire at 6pm tonight.