Smoky Conditions in Central Illinois Today

Locally Heavy Rainfall for the Carolinas; Thunderstorms and Fire Weather Concerns for Intermountain West

Heavy rainfall from scattered thunderstorms is expected across the Southwest, Intermountain West, and Plains. Isolated dry thunderstorms may initiate additional fires across the west. The coastal Carolinas may experience flash floods in the coming days due to repeated thunderstorms. Additionally, a wave of intense summer heat will hit the Southern Plains and central Gulf Coast States this week. Read More >

...UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT HAZY/SMOKY CONDITIONS... Prairie grass burning was NOT being done around Lake Springfield today, but occurred yesterday. However, smoke from numerous spots doing burning earlier in various parts of central Illinois, combined with dirt and dust from a dry ground and harvesting has caused the hazy visibility and smoky smell. An increasing southwest wind gusting to 25-30 mph will allow the hazy visibility and smoke to improve early this afternoon. In addition, smoke from the western wildfires at higher levels in the atmosphere, about 5 to 6 miles aloft, are giving the sky a hazy and milky appearance across all of northern and central Illinois.