Warm and dry conditions continue along with fire threat

 As rainfall chances continue to look low through much of this week and into the next, not much will change forecast wise. After a quick burst of fall during the middle of the week temperatures look to get back into the 70's and upper 60's through the next week. But with continued drought conditions with little to no measurable rainfall this will only add to already dry conditions.

Taking a quick look at the drought monitor it's clear that Northern Illinois hasn't received anywhere near the average precipitation totals for this time of year. Much of Northern Illinois is in a moderate drought with some farther Northwest portions entering severe drought status. Measurable rainfall chances look to remain low as upper-level high pressure to our Southeast will block any available moisture from being funneled into the Midwest.

This still raises some concerns for possible wildfires and field fires being possible as extremely dry conditions near the surface can allow fires to quickly spread. Even with wind gusts in the 15-20 mph range, fires can still spread quickly so make sure to limit any outdoor burning with dry conditions sticking around.

Like previously mentioned, wind gusts don't necessarily need to be extremely strong for fires to burn as yesterday in Ogle County a large 100-acre field fire was still able to erupt along Route 64 near Esmond, IL. Multiple scanners report recently as well have reported field fires the past few days with two being in Monroe Center as well. It will be crucial to limit outdoor burning through this time as well as proper disposal of flammable objects.

As we shift focus to the upper levels of the atmosphere though, a blocking pattern is expected to continue through the next few days with limited moisture and warmer surface temperatures. High pressure down to our south is "blocking" any moisture to be funneled into the region along with enhanced upper-level winds pushed to our north. This will continue to keep us dry until at least the mid-week when some upper-level moisture will be funneled in as the low-pressure system to our west slowly slides east.

Expect these warmer conditions to stick around through the next 8-14 days as the Climate Prediction Center expects warmer conditions to stick around. One the bright side is that some increased moisture return will allow for some increased precipitation chances, but warmer conditions will be the main story. Temperatures won't be extremely warm but expect upper 60's to 70 degrees to continue the next two weeks.