Red Flag Warning
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
510 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
...Critical Fire Weather Conditions Today...
IAZ040>042-051>054-063>068-076>078-087>089-098-099-ILZ001-002-007-
009-015>018-024>026-034-035-MOZ009-010-181915-
/O.CON.KDVN.FW.W.0001.260218T1600Z-260219T0200Z/
Buchanan-Delaware-Dubuque-Benton-Linn-Jones-Jackson-Iowa-Johnson-
Cedar-Clinton-Muscatine-Scott-Keokuk-Washington-Louisa-Jefferson-
Henry IA-Des Moines-Van Buren-Lee-Jo Daviess-Stephenson-Carroll-
Whiteside-Rock Island-Henry IL-Bureau-Putnam-Mercer-Henderson-
Warren-Hancock-McDonough-Scotland-Clark-
510 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
8 PM CST THIS EVENING FOR CRITICAL FIRE DANGER...
* AFFECTED AREA...Portions of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois
* TIMING...From Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening.
* WINDS...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.
* IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly.
Fire behavior is expected to be extreme. Outdoor burning is not
recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
&&
$$
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
436 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
ILZ027>031-036>038-041-190200-
/O.CON.KILX.FW.W.0001.260218T1600Z-260219T0200Z/
Knox-Stark-Peoria-Marshall-Woodford-Fulton-Tazewell-McLean-Mason-
436 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
8 PM CST THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR NORTH
CENTRAL ILLINOIS...
* AFFECTED AREA...Knox, Stark, Peoria, Marshall, Woodford,
Fulton, Tazewell, McLean and Mason.
* TIMING...From 10 AM this morning to 8 PM CST this evening.
* 20 FOOT WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.
* 10 HOUR FUELS...Less than 9 percent.
* IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread
quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
&&
$$
Copple
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Chicago IL
100 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
ILZ003>005-008-010>012-019>021-181500-
/O.UPG.KLOT.FW.A.0001.260218T1500Z-260219T0200Z/
/O.NEW.KLOT.FW.W.0001.260218T1600Z-260219T0200Z/
Winnebago-Boone-McHenry-Ogle-Lee-De Kalb-Kane-La Salle-Kendall-
Grundy-
100 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM CST
THIS EVENING...
The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 10 AM this morning to 8 PM CST
this evening. This replaces the Fire Weather Watch that was
previously in effect.
* Affected Area...Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Ogle, Lee, De Kalb,
Kane, La Salle, Kendall and Grundy.
* Timing...From 10 AM this morning to 8 PM CST this evening.
* Winds...West 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 to 45 mph.
* Relative Humidity...As low as 15 to 20 percent.
* Impacts...Any fire that develops will catch and spread
quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
&&
$$
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Chicago IL
100 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
ILZ032-181500-
/O.NEW.KLOT.FW.W.0001.260218T1600Z-260219T0200Z/
Livingston-
100 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM CST
THIS EVENING...
The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 10 AM this morning to 8 PM CST
this evening.
* Affected Area...Livingston.
* Timing...From 10 AM this morning to 8 PM CST this evening.
* Winds...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
* Relative Humidity...As low as 17 to 20 percent.
* Impacts...Any fire that develops will catch and spread
quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
&&
$$
Small Craft Advisory
URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Chicago IL
317 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
LMZ740>745-181730-
/O.CON.KLOT.SC.Y.0019.000000T0000Z-260219T0000Z/
Winthrop Harbor to Wilmette Harbor IL-
Wilmette Harbor to Northerly Island IL-
Northerly Island to Calumet Harbor IL-
Calumet Harbor IL to Gary IN-Gary to Burns Harbor IN-
Burns Harbor to Michigan City IN-
317 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...
* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 30 kt expected.
* WHERE...Illinois and Indiana nearshore from Winthrop Harbor IL
to Michigan City IN.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.
&&
$$
URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
305 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
LMZ643>646-181715-
/O.CON.KMKX.SC.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-260218T2100Z/
Sheboygan to Port Washington WI-
Port Washington to North Point Light WI-
North Point Light to Wind Point WI-
Wind Point WI to Winthrop Harbor IL-
305 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM CST THIS
AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...South winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and
waves 5 to 8 ft.
* WHERE...Nearshore Waters from Sheboygan to Winthrop Harbor IL.
* WHEN...Until 3 PM CST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.
&&
$$
Wind Advisory
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
550 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
WIZ062-067-068-182000-
/O.CON.KMKX.WI.Y.0001.260218T1500Z-260219T0000Z/
Iowa-Lafayette-Green-
Including the cities of Brodhead, Barneveld, Shullsburg, Monroe,
Mineral Point, Argyle, Dodgeville, Blanchardville, Darlington,
Belmont, and Benton
550 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM
CST THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected.
* WHERE...Green, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties.
* WHEN...From 9 AM this morning to 6 PM CST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
&&
$$
CMILLER
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
511 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
IAZ040>042-051>054-ILZ001-002-007-181915-
/O.CON.KDVN.WI.Y.0002.260218T1500Z-260218T2300Z/
Buchanan-Delaware-Dubuque-Benton-Linn-Jones-Jackson-Jo Daviess-
Stephenson-Carroll-
Including the cities of Manchester, Anamosa, Vinton, Maquoketa,
Galena, Freeport, Mount Carroll, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and
Independence
511 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 PM
CST THIS AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE...In Illinois, Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties.
In Iowa, Benton, Jackson, Jones, Linn, Buchanan, Delaware, and
Dubuque Counties.
* WHEN...From 9 AM this morning to 5 PM CST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
Secure outdoor objects.
&&
$$
Gibbs
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Chicago IL
102 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
ILZ003-008-181715-
/O.NEW.KLOT.WI.Y.0002.260218T1600Z-260219T0000Z/
Winnebago-Ogle-
Including the cities of Rockford, Oregon, Rochelle, and Byron
102 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...
* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected.
* WHERE...Ogle and Winnebago Counties.
* WHEN...From 10 AM this morning to 6 PM CST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
&&
$$
Birk
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL
108 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
ILZ006-013-023-033-039-103>108-181600-
Lake IL-DuPage-Kankakee-Iroquois-Ford-Northern Cook-Central Cook-
Southern Cook-Northern Will-Southern Will-Eastern Will-
Including the cities of Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Mundelein,
Gurnee, Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Lombard,
Carol Stream, Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Watseka, Gilman,
Paxton, Gibson City, Evanston, Des Plaines, Schaumburg, Palatine,
Northbrook, Chicago, Cicero, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, La Grange,
Calumet City, Oak Forest, Lemont, Orland Park, Park Forest,
Joliet, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Mokena, Channahon, Manhattan,
Wilmington, Crete, Peotone, and Beecher
108 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
...Elevated Fire Danger Today...
The combination of unseasonably warm temperatures, low relative
humidity and gusty westerly winds will lead to a heightened
threat of brush fire ignition and spread this afternoon.
Any fires that ignite may become difficult to control. Outdoor
burning is strongly discouraged.
$$
KJB
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
National Weather Service MILWAUKEE/SULLIVAN WI
1236 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
WIZ046-047-056>060-062>072-190000-
Marquette-Green Lake-Sauk-Columbia-Dodge-Washington-Ozaukee-Iowa-
Dane-Jefferson-Waukesha-Milwaukee-Lafayette-Green-Rock-Walworth-
Racine-Kenosha-
Including the cities of Montello, Westfield, Oxford, Neshkoro,
Endeavor, Berlin, Princeton, Markesan, Baraboo, Reedsburg,
Prairie Du Sac, Sauk City, Portage, Columbus, Lake Wisconsin,
Lodi, Beaver Dam, Waupun, Mayville, West Bend, Germantown,
Hartford, Mequon, Cedarburg, Grafton, Dodgeville, Mineral Point,
Barneveld, Madison, Watertown, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson,
Waukesha, Brookfield, New Berlin, Menomonee Falls, Muskego,
Milwaukee, Darlington, Shullsburg, Benton, Belmont, Argyle,
Blanchardville, Monroe, Brodhead, Janesville, Beloit, Whitewater,
Delavan, Elkhorn, Lake Geneva, East Troy, Racine, and Kenosha
1236 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR MUCH OF SOUTHERN WI...
Clearing skies during the day Wednesday will lead to strong mixing
and thus relative humidities are expected to plummet to 15-25%
with very breezy winds (gusts to 40mph). This will lead to an
increased concern for fire weather.
$$
Kuroski
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
556 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
LMZ080-261-362-364-366-563-565-567-669-671-673-675-777-779-868-
870-872-874-876-878-191200-
Lake Michigan Michigan City IN to St. Joseph MI 5 NM offshore to
mid-line of lake.-
Lake Michigan from Seul Choix Point to Rock Island Passage 5NM
offshore to Mid Lake-
Lake Michigan South of a line from Seul Choix Point to the
Mackinac Bridge and North of a line from Charlevoix MI to South
Fox Island 5NM offshore-
Lake Michigan from Charlevoix to Point Betsie MI 5NM Offshore to
mid lake-
Lake Michigan from Point Betsie to Manistee MI 5NM offshore to
Mid Lake-
Lake Michigan from Rock Island Passage to Sturgeon Bay WI 5NM
offshore to mid lake-
Lake Michigan from Sturgeon Bay to Two Rivers WI 5NM offshore to
Mid Lake-
Lake Michigan from Two Rivers to Sheboygan WI 5NM offshore to Mid
Lake-
Lake Michigan from Sheboygan to Port Washington WI 5NM offshore
to Mid Lake-
Lake Michigan from Port Washington to North Point Light WI 5NM
offshore to Mid Lake-
Lake Michigan from North Point Light to Wind Point WI 5NM
offshore to Mid Lake-
Lake Michigan from Wind Point WI to Winthrop Harbor IL 5NM
offshore to Mid Lake-
Lake Michigan from Winthrop Harbor to Wilmette Harbor IL 5NM
offshore to Mid Lake-
Lake Michigan from Wilmette Harbor to Michigan City in 5NM
offshore to Mid Lake-
Lake Michigan from Pentwater to Manistee MI 5NM offshore to Mid
Lake-
Lake Michigan from Whitehall to Pentwater MI 5NM offshore to Mid
Lake-
Lake Michigan from Grand Haven to Whitehall MI 5NM offshore to
Mid Lake-
Lake Michigan from Holland to Grand Haven MI 5NM offshore to Mid
Lake-
Lake Michigan from South Haven to Holland MI 5NM offshore to Mid
lake-
Lake Michigan from St Joseph to South Haven MI 5NM offshore to
Mid Lake-
556 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the open waters of Lake
Michigan.
.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight
A Gale Warning is in effect for the northern half of Lake
Michigan through this afternoon. Strong easterly winds and high
waves are expected.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday
Winds a few knots short of gales may occur over the far northern
end of Lake Michigan Thursday night, and over the southern half of
Lake Michigan Friday afternoon.
$$
www.weather.gov/mkx
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
556 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
LMZ643>646-191200-
Sheboygan to Port Washington WI-
Port Washington to North Point Light WI-
North Point Light to Wind Point WI-
Wind Point WI to Winthrop Harbor IL-
556 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the nearshore waters from
Sheboygan Wisconsin to Winthrop Harbor Illinois.
.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for gusty onshore winds and
high waves.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday
Additional Small Craft Advisory conditions are possible Thursday
night through Friday night.
$$
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
556 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
WIZ046-047-051-052-056>060-062>072-191200-
Marquette-Green Lake-Fond du Lac-Sheboygan-Sauk-Columbia-Dodge-
Washington-Ozaukee-Iowa-Dane-Jefferson-Waukesha-Milwaukee-
Lafayette-Green-Rock-Walworth-Racine-Kenosha-
556 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of east central
Wisconsin, south central Wisconsin and southeast Wisconsin.
.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight
Blustery west winds from 35 to 45 mph are expected from the late
morning into the afternoon. A Wind Advisory has been issued for
far southwestern Wisconsin.
Warm and blustery conditions will support elevated fire weather
conditions through most of southern Wisconsin from the late
morning through the afternoon. Burning should be avoided during
this time.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday
Snow chances return to the forecast Thursday night into Friday.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation will not be needed.
$$
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
535 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
ILZ027>031-036>038-041-191200-
Knox-Stark-Peoria-Marshall-Woodford-Fulton-Tazewell-McLean-Mason-
535 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Illinois and west
central Illinois.
.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from late morning until early evening
today for high fire danger due to west winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts
up to 35 mph, and low relative humidity. Open burning should be
avoided.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.
A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Thursday
afternoon, with damaging winds the primary concern.
There is a slight chance of snow over the weekend.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation is not anticipated through tonight.
$$
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
535 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
ILZ042>046-051>057-061>063-066>068-071>073-191200-
Logan-De Witt-Piatt-Champaign-Vermilion-Sangamon-Christian-Macon-
Moultrie-Douglas-Coles-Edgar-Shelby-Cumberland-Clark-Effingham-
Jasper-Crawford-Clay-Richland-Lawrence-
535 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Illinois, east
central Illinois and southeast Illinois.
.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.
Breezy conditions and low relative humidity are expected this
afternoon and will lead increased fire danger, primarily north of
I-70. Open burning should be avoided.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.
While a few strong thunderstorms may contain hail late Thursday
morning, the main severe weather risk will be during the afternoon
and early evening hours. Damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes are
the main concern.
There is a slight chance of light snow over the weekend.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation is not anticipated through tonight.
$$
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Northern Indiana
503 AM EST Wed Feb 18 2026
INZ005>009-012>015-017-018-020-022>027-032>034-103-104-116-203-204-
216-MIZ078>081-177-277-OHZ001-002-004-005-015-016-024-025-191015-
Elkhart-Lagrange-Steuben-Noble-De Kalb-Starke-Pulaski-Marshall-
Fulton IN-Whitley-Allen IN-White-Cass IN-Miami-Wabash-Huntington-
Wells-Adams-Grant-Blackford-Jay-Northern La Porte-
Eastern St. Joseph IN-Northern Kosciusko-Southern La Porte-
Western St. Joseph IN-Southern Kosciusko-Cass MI-St. Joseph MI-
Branch-Hillsdale-Northern Berrien-Southern Berrien-Williams-
Fulton OH-Defiance-Henry-Paulding-Putnam-Van Wert-Allen OH-
503 AM EST Wed Feb 18 2026 /403 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026/
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern Indiana, southwest
Michigan and northwest Ohio.
.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.
Much above normal warmth and gusty southwest winds will aid in
elevated fire concerns later this afternoon/early evening west of US
31. Please avoid outdoor burning!
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.
A few storms are possible Thursday evening into Thursday night mainly
along and south of US 30. Wind gusts would be the primary concern in
any storms. Severe weather chances are very low.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
$$
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL
337 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
ILZ003>006-008-010>013-019>021-023-032-033-039-103>108-INZ001-002-
010-011-019-190945-
Winnebago-Boone-McHenry-Lake IL-Ogle-Lee-De Kalb-Kane-DuPage-
La Salle-Kendall-Grundy-Kankakee-Livingston-Iroquois-Ford-
Northern Cook-Central Cook-Southern Cook-Northern Will-
Southern Will-Eastern Will-Lake IN-Porter-Newton-Jasper-Benton-
337 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026 /437 AM EST Wed Feb 18 2026/
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central
Illinois...northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana.
.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.
Weather hazards expected...
Significant Fire Weather Risk.
Elevated Non-Thunderstorm Wind Risk.
DISCUSSION...
The combination of unseasonably warm and exceptionally dry
conditions and gusty winds will result in a significant risk for
grass and brush fire spread this afternoon.
West southwest winds will gust to 35 to 45 mph today.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.
Thursday...
Limited Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
Level 2 of 5 Severe Thunderstorm Risk.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation will not be necessary through tonight.
$$
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL
337 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
LMZ740>745-190945-
Winthrop Harbor to Wilmette Harbor IL-
Wilmette Harbor to Northerly Island IL-
Northerly Island to Calumet Harbor IL-
Calumet Harbor IL to Gary IN-Gary to Burns Harbor IN-
Burns Harbor to Michigan City IN-
337 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Illinois
nearshore waters of Lake Michigan and the Indiana nearshore
waters of Lake Michigan.
.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.
Weather hazards expected...
Hazardous conditions for small craft.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.
Thursday...
Limited Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
Level 1 of 5 Severe Thunderstorm Risk.
Friday through Tuesday...
Hazardous conditions for small craft are likely.
$$
KJB
Visit us at www.weather.gov/chicago
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
326 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
IAZ040>042-051>054-063>068-076>078-087>089-098-099-ILZ001-002-007-
009-015>018-024>026-034-035-MOZ009-010-190930-
Buchanan-Delaware-Dubuque-Benton-Linn-Jones-Jackson-Iowa-Johnson-
Cedar-Clinton-Muscatine-Scott-Keokuk-Washington-Louisa-Jefferson-
Henry IA-Des Moines-Van Buren-Lee-Jo Daviess-Stephenson-Carroll-
Whiteside-Rock Island-Henry IL-Bureau-Putnam-Mercer-Henderson-
Warren-Hancock-McDonough-Scotland-Clark-
326 AM CST Wed Feb 18 2026
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central
Illinois...northwest Illinois...west central Illinois...east
central Iowa...northeast Iowa...southeast Iowa and northeast
Missouri.
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT
Warm temperatures, strong winds, low relative humidities, and
dried vegetation will combine to result in a critical fire weather
conditions today. A Red Flag Warning is in effect.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY
There is a chance for thunderstorms across portions of the outlook
area late Thursday afternoon and Thursday evening. Strong to
severe storms cannot be ruled out at this time.
Colder air working in behind the storm system late Thursday night
and Friday will bring a chance of rain mixing with or changing to
light snow for parts of the area. Any snow accumulations are
likely to be light.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation will not be needed today or tonight.
$$
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
316 AM EST Wed Feb 18 2026
MIZ037>040-043>046-050>052-056>059-064>067-071>074-190830-
Mason-Lake-Osceola-Clare-Oceana-Newaygo-Mecosta-Isabella-Muskegon-
Montcalm-Gratiot-Ottawa-Kent-Ionia-Clinton-Allegan-Barry-Eaton-
Ingham-Van Buren-Kalamazoo-Calhoun-Jackson-
316 AM EST Wed Feb 18 2026
This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of southwest Lower
Michigan.
.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight
Freezing rain is possible in portions of Central Michigan early
this morning with temperatures around freezing. Best chance for a
light glaze of ice will be on elevated surfaces like bridges,
trees, power lines, etc. Any areas below freezing this morning
warm above freezing by mid morning.
There is a chance for thunderstorms across the whole area early
this morning. While small hail and locally gusty winds may occur,
the chance of severe weather is very low.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday
Thunderstorms are possible on Thursday. Snow Saturday night into
Sunday could create slick conditions.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation will not be needed.
$$
Hydrologic Outlook
Hydrologic Outlook
MIC005-015-025-037-045-065-067-075-077-081-121-139-159-191830-
Hydrologic Outlook
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
943 AM EST Tue Feb 17 2026
...Rivers Rising and River Ice Moving this Week...
Steady melting of snow and ice over the last week has begun to cause
rivers to rise across the area. Several chances for rain this week
will add to these rises. Based on current expected rainfall, no
significant flooding is expected on West Michigan rivers, though
typical spring water level rises within the river channels will
happen.
Meanwhile, river ice has weakened significantly over the last week,
and as water levels rise any remaining ice will likely be broken and
start to move downstream. This creates the possibility for formation
of a few ice jams. Ice jams tend to form in the same places
repeatedly, so special attention should be paid in the Comstock Park
(Kent County) area as well as the Robinson Township (Ottawa County)
area along the Grand River.
Anyone living or working near West Michigan rivers should pay extra
attention this week as water levels rise. Have a plan to monitor and
respond if flooding develops unexpectedly.
Monitor the latest conditions at https://water.noaa.gov
$$
AMD
