Sunday morning weather update

 As fall continues to slowly reach into the state line we've had a very unusual past few weeks of weather for this time of year. For much of the summer and now early fall high pressure has dominated much of the Midwest and lower 48 for that matter. That has left many states abnormally dry along with constant temperatures above average for much of September and now moving into October.

That was once again the case yesterday as the recorded high temperature was 16 agrees above average in terms of high temperature. Many records have come close to being beaten this year but as of now we have yet to do that. But with these abnormally conditions have also come abnormally dry conditions as well.

The drought monitor right now shows that clearly too as more than half the state is in abnormally dry conditions, especially up into Northern Illinois where moderate drought conditions have arisen in the state line. With precipitation chances continuing to look low through the week, these conditions will only worsen with drier weather expected up until at least Sunday.

Now with a low-pressure system making its way through Southern Canada with the associated cold front moving through this morning, winds are expected to once again be strong behind the front. Unlike yesterday, today's winds will be out of the northwest bringing cooler conditions with it.

 With winds sustained at 10-20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph with dry conditions this sets the stage for bush fire conditions. As of now all of Northern Illinois is under a Special Weather Statement for elevated fire danger today as gusty conditions will allow fires to spread very quickly.

With these conditions, it's crucial to not only practice fire safety, but possibly decide to not build any fires for the next day. With any outdoor burning combined with dry conditions and gusty winds fires will become out of control and dangerous quickly. So just for Sunday, refrain from burning and be careful with flammable objects.

For those looking for rain, you'll have to wait even longer as for the entirety of next week we look to remain dry up until to the weekend. Fortunately, winds look to remain calm as high pressure will move overhead leaving us dry and quiet. This will not be good for our drought monitor though as we will go another week without considerable or measurable precipitation. By the weekend another cold front moves through Saturday night into Sunday morning bringing isolated shower chances but even then, those chances remain low.

This weather will continue to be enjoyable but as fall continues to approach with gustier winds known to increase through fall, these dry conditions will only help fuel more bush fire chances as those fall winds pickup. But as of now just keep a close eye on ground conditions through the week.