SPC Convective Outlook Day 1

See Product Description

658
ACUS01 KWNS 180056
SWODY1
SPC AC 180054

Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0654 PM CST Tue Feb 17 2026

Valid 180100Z - 181200Z

...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST...

...SUMMARY...
Isolated strong thunderstorms will be possible across parts of
coastal Southern California through tonight.

...Discussion...
Thunderstorm activity continues across portions of Southern
California this evening as mid-level flow increases with the
approaching upper-level low. Thunderstorm activity is expected to
continue overnight, with potential for occasional stronger bands
that may produce some instances of damaging wind. A low tornado risk
was maintained with this outlook, owing to the strong deep layer
flow progged to increase overnight.

High-based convection across far eastern Nebraska has showed signs
of weakening over the last hour, with a downward trend in lightning.
Guidance shows little in the way of additional development through
the rest of the evening. The Marginal Risk across this region was
removed with this outlook.

..Thornton.. 02/18/2026

$$

The "Convective Outlooks" issued by SPC can be thought of as a detailed discussion of the Severe Thunderstorm threat and it's associated risks nationwide. Risk levels range from Marginal to Slight, Enhanced, Moderate, and High and are issued based on the likelihood of 3 major severe weather threats; the risk of tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. These discussions are often heavily laced meteorological terminology that may be difficult to understand without a background in the field. However understanding these discussions shouldn't be thought of as necessary. Instead, should DuPage county fall under one of these threat levels for severe weather, the response should be to have a heightened level of awareness about the deveoloping weather. Keep an eye on the "Watch County Notification" for any active severe weather watches issued for DuPage county; the "Hazardous Weather Outlook" and "Severe Weather Statement" can also be helpful in explaining the developing risk; additionally, watch for "Active Weather Warnings" and keep an eye on our "Regional Satellite and Radar" products which can be viewed with active watches/warnings or lightning activity.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

See Product Description

364
FLUS43 KLOT 172044
HWOLOT

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL
244 PM CST Tue Feb 17 2026

ILZ003>006-008-010>013-019>021-023-032-033-039-103>108-INZ001-002-
010-011-019-182045-
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-
244 PM CST Tue Feb 17 2026 /344 PM EST Tue Feb 17 2026/

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central
Illinois...northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Weather hazards expected...

Limited Thunderstorm Risk.

DISCUSSION...

A few isolated non-severe storms are possible tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Wednesday...
Elevated Fire Weather Risk.
Limited Non-Thunderstorm Wind Risk.
Thursday...
Limited Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
Level 2 of 5 Severe Thunderstorm Risk.

DISCUSSION...

The combination of unseasonably warm and dry conditions and gusty
winds on Wednesday will result in an elevated risk for grass and
brush fire spread.

West southwest winds on Wednesday will be gusting around 30-40
mph.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will not be necessary through tonight.

GENERAL STORM MOTION OF THE DAY:

Moving toward the east at 50 mph.

$$

LMZ740>745-182045-
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-
244 PM CST Tue Feb 17 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...Tonight.

Weather hazards expected...

Hazardous conditions for small craft.
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Wednesday...
Hazardous conditions for small craft are likely.
Thursday...
Hazardous conditions for small craft are likely.
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.
Friday through Monday...
Hazardous conditions for small craft are likely.

$$

Yack

Visit us at www.weather.gov/chicago

The "Hazardous Weather Outlook" contains information regarding any and all weather expected to occur within the region that could be hazardous to travel, life or property. This is one of our most highly recommended products to check on a daily basis, and it some cases multiple times per day should significant weather be expected to affect DuPage county.

SPC Convective Outlook Day 2

See Product Description

019
ACUS02 KWNS 171710
SWODY2
SPC AC 171708

Day 2 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1108 AM CST Tue Feb 17 2026

Valid 181200Z - 191200Z

...NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST...

...SUMMARY...
Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms are possible along parts
of the West Coast, lower Ohio/mid-Mississippi Valley, and lower
Great Lakes regions. Severe weather is not anticipated.

...Synopsis...
A pair of successive shortwave troughs are expected to progress
north-northeastward on Wednesday into Thursday morning. The initial,
weaker perturbation will move from the mid-Mississippi Valley into
the upper Ohio Valley. Some thunderstorm potential will exist ahead
of this feature within a warm advection regime in lower Michigan
into northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania.

Farther west, a more potent shortwave will move from the lower
Colorado Valley/western Great Basin into the central Plains by
Thursday morning. In its wake, general troughing will in the West.
Cold temperatures aloft will foster potential for isolated
thunderstorms along much of the West Coast. A few lightning flashes
may also occur ahead of the progressing shortwave trough in the
eastern Great Basin. However, ample cloud cover and cool/cold
temperatures will keep such activity quite sparse.

A surface low will develop late in the period in the central High
Plains and shift into eastern Kansas/western Missouri by Thursday
morning. Mid-level ascent and warm/moist advection will gradually
increase from the Mississippi/Ohio confluence into parts of the
lower Ohio Valley. There is some signal from both global and
regional CAM guidance for development very late in the period near
the Mississippi/Ohio confluence. Farther north and east, capping may
prevail given more nebulous forcing. Severe weather is not
anticipated with any of the activity in these regions.

..Wendt.. 02/17/2026

$$

The "Convective Outlooks" issued by SPC can be thought of as a detailed discussion of the Severe Thunderstorm threat and it's associated risks nationwide. Risk levels range from Marginal to Slight, Enhanced, Moderate, and High and are issued based on the likelihood of 3 major severe weather threats; the risk of tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. These discussions are often heavily laced meteorological terminology that may be difficult to understand without a background in the field. However understanding these discussions shouldn't be thought of as necessary. Instead, should DuPage county fall under one of these threat levels for severe weather, the response should be to have a heightened level of awareness about the deveoloping weather. Keep an eye on the "Watch County Notification" for any active severe weather watches issued for DuPage county; the "Hazardous Weather Outlook" and "Severe Weather Statement" can also be helpful in explaining the developing risk; additionally, watch for "Active Weather Warnings" and keep an eye on our "Regional Satellite and Radar" products which can be viewed with active watches/warnings or lightning activity.

SPC Convective Outlook Day 3

See Product Description

083
ACUS03 KWNS 171928
SWODY3
SPC AC 171927

Day 3 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0127 PM CST Tue Feb 17 2026

Valid 191200Z - 201200Z

...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR PARTS OF THE
LOWER/MIDDLE OHIO VALLEY...

...SUMMARY...
Severe thunderstorms with potential to produce a few tornadoes and
damaging wind gusts are possible across parts of the middle
Mississippi into lower Ohio Valleys Thursday afternoon into early
evening.

...Synopsis...
Two shortwave troughs are expected to quickly lift
north-northeastward through the central Plains and into the Ohio
Valley region on Thursday. The initial perturbation will reach
Illinois/Indiana by early afternoon. The intensity of this feature
will remain modest with perhaps some gradual weakening in time. The
second trough will evolve in the lower Missouri Valley during the
evening and intensify as it approaches the lower Ohio Valley by
Friday morning. At the surface, a cyclone will deepen as it lifts
northeastward from eastern Kansas into the Great Lakes region. At
least partially modified Gulf moisture will advect northward ahead
of the surface cold front from the Upper Midwest into the southern
Plains.

...Lower/middle Ohio Valley...
Ahead of the cold front, a prefrontal trough/pseudo dryline is
expected to be the focus for convective development during the
afternoon. The degree/quality of moisture return ahead of this
feature will be key in terms of the overall magnitude of the severe
threat. Current observations (Tuesday) from soundings depict a very
modest moist layer along the Gulf coast. A modest shortwave trough
on Tuesday night into Wednesday will lift northward too quickly for
more substantial moisture return. The surface pattern on Thursday
will be more robust, but deeper moisture may still not reach far
enough north given that mid 60s F dewpoints are only as far north as
the central Gulf currently. Guidance suggests mid to upper 50s F
dewpoints are most probable, which does seem reasonable. That said,
temperatures aloft will not be overly cold and lapse rates will not
be overly steep. This will lead to convection that may remain
somewhat low topped in nature. Despite limiting factors within the
environment, 40-50 kts of effective shear roughly perpendicular to
the boundary will favor discrete storms. Low-level flow will be
increasing with time as well. Supercells capable of few tornadoes,
damaging winds, and isolated large hail are possible during the
afternoon/evening.

..Wendt.. 02/17/2026

$$

The "Convective Outlooks" issued by SPC can be thought of as a detailed discussion of the Severe Thunderstorm threat and it's associated risks nationwide. Risk levels range from Marginal to Slight, Enhanced, Moderate, and High and are issued based on the likelihood of 3 major severe weather threats; the risk of tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. These discussions are often heavily laced meteorological terminology that may be difficult to understand without a background in the field. However understanding these discussions shouldn't be thought of as necessary. Instead, should DuPage county fall under one of these threat levels for severe weather, the response should be to have a heightened level of awareness about the deveoloping weather. Keep an eye on the "Watch County Notification" for any active severe weather watches issued for DuPage county; the "Hazardous Weather Outlook" and "Severe Weather Statement" can also be helpful in explaining the developing risk; additionally, watch for "Active Weather Warnings" and keep an eye on our "Regional Satellite and Radar" products which can be viewed with active watches/warnings or lightning activity.

Special Weather Statement

See Product Description

799
WWUS83 KLOT 171945
RFWLOT

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Chicago IL
145 PM CST Tue Feb 17 2026

...A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR WEDNESDAY...

The combination of unseasonably warm temperatures (highs in the
60s), dry conditions (RH values around 15-25%), and gusty west-
southwest winds (gusting around 35-40 mph) will lead to an
elevated fire danger on Wednesday. While fuel moistures may be
more questionable in some areas, local fire agencies indicate that
finer fuels are primed and could lead to rapid fire spread in
these conditions. For this reason, a Fire Weather Watch has been
issued for portions of northern Illinois on Wednesday. Confidence
in Red Flag Warning criteria being met is currently highest along
and north of Interstate 88.

ILZ003>006-008-010>014-019>022-180345-
/O.NEW.KLOT.FW.A.0001.260218T1500Z-260219T0200Z/
Winnebago-Boone-McHenry-Lake IL-Ogle-Lee-De Kalb-Kane-DuPage-Cook-
La Salle-Kendall-Grundy-Will-
145 PM CST Tue Feb 17 2026

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH
WEDNESDAY EVENING...

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Fire Weather
Watch, which is in effect from Wednesday morning through
Wednesday evening.

* Affected Area...Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake IL, Ogle, Lee,
De Kalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, La Salle, Kendall, Grundy and
Will.

* Timing...From Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening.

* Winds...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 15 percent.

* Impacts...Any fire that develops will catch and spread
quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

The "Special Weather Statement" details notable weather either occuring or expected to occur, but does not necessarily have to be considered severe or hazardous. This is a supplementary product issued by the National Weather Service to help describe noteworthy weather. It's terminology should be reasonably easy to understand by the general public.

Watch County Notification

See Product Description

No active Watch County Notification for DuPage County.

The "Watch County Notification" will contain updates regarding active severe weather watches that pertain to DuPage county. This may be for a newly issued watch, or the cancelation of an existing watch. Severe weather watches come in two forms; Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado, and it should be noted that a Severe Thunderstorm Watch does NOT rule out the possibility of tornadoes occuring. It generally means that the tornado threat is minimal while damaging winds and hail are still likely. See our "Watch, Warning, and Advisory Criteria" for more detailed information on the differences and critera for watches, warnings and advisory for all forms of weather.

Winter Weather Statement

See Product Description

No active Winter Weather Statement for DuPage County.

The "Winter Weather Statement" is a product aimed at the general public that will discuss impacts caused by winter weather. This may include information about watches, warnings and advisories as well as details about impactful winter weather that may not warrant the issuance of a watch, warning or advisory.

Severe Weather Statement

See Product Description

No active Severe Weather Statement for DuPage County.

The "Severe Weather Statement" is a product aimed at the general public that will discuss impacts caused by severe thunderstorms. This may include information about watches and warnings as well as details about impactful "sub-severe" weather that may not warrant the issuance of a watch or warning which sometimes may come when a watch or warning has been canceled.

Non-Precip Statement

See Product Description

No active Non-Precip Statement for DuPage County.

The "Non-Precip Statement" is aimed at the general public and will detail notable weather that is either occuring or expected to occur, but does not relate to any form of precipitation. These would include but are not limited to high winds, reduced visibility or extreme temperatures.

Active Weather Warnings

Tornado Warnings

No active Tornado Warnings.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings

No active Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.

Flood Warnings

No active Flood Warnings.

Winter Weather Warnings

No active Winter Weather Warnings.

General Tornado/Severe Weather Safety

1. A Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when it has been reported, or when it has been detected via National Weather Service radar. It is to be interpreted that this event is occuring and is expected to affect all warned areas. Those within the warning need to take action immediately.
2. If under a warning remain calm and if it is necessary to seek shelter. Students and Employees should head to their nearest designated shelter area. The route to these shelter areas are posted in all rooms on campus and signs are placed in the hallways to direct you to the nearest shelter area. Review these instructions and be familiar with where your nearest shelter is. Stay indoors, away from windows and large unsupported ceilings. Faculty should account for their students and Supervisors should account for their areas employees.
3. If outside, take shelter in the nearest building.
4. After the storm has passed, dial Police at 911 to report any injuries or damage to buildings.
5. If the building is severely damaged, evacuate the building as soon as possible after the storm has passed.