Hazard Report Provided By forecast.weather.gov

ILZ003-004-008-010-011-019-180515-
Winnebago-Boone-Ogle-Lee-De Kalb-La Salle-
Including the cities of Rockford, Belvidere, Rochelle, Oregon,
Byron, Dixon, DeKalb, Sycamore, Ottawa, Streator, La Salle, Mendota,
and Marseilles
835 PM CDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...AIR QUALITY ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CDT TONIGHT...

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Purple
Forecast Air Pollution Action Day for today, July 17th, for the
AirNow AQI forecast sectors of Rockford.

The Purple Forecast Air Pollution Action Day is declared due to a
forecast of Very Unhealthy-Purple category particulates today.

Northern IL remains on the edge of a thick plume of surface smoke
blanketing the Great Lakes and Northeast U.S. Forecasts for 24-hour
AQI will remain in poor categories today even though condition may
improve some through the day. With this in mind, those with air
quality concerns or outdoor plans are encouraged to check current
NowCast readings or sign up for EnviroFlash alerts on AirNow.gov to
aid in both identifying periods of poor AQI and periods of improving
AQI.

AQI Category Guidance

Unhealthy - Everyone should reduce prolonged activities or heavy
exertion outdoors. Active children, older adults, and people with
pulmonary or respiratory disease such as asthma should avoid
prolonged activities or heavy exertion outdoors.

Very Unhealthy - Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity
outdoors. Reschedule to a time when air quality is better or move
activities indoors. Everyone else: Avoid long or intense activities.
Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. Note: If you
don`t have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed
may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go
someplace with air conditioning or check with your local government
to find out if cooling centers are available in your community.

Hazardous - Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
Sensitive groups:
Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping
particle levels low indoors. Note: If you don`t have an air
conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous
in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air
conditioning or check with your local government to find out if
cooling centers are available in your community.

Air quality forecasts, current air quality, and tips on how you can
reduce your emissions can be found at www.airnow.gov

Media Contact...Illinois EPA

$$

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL
305 PM CDT Fri Jul 17 2026

ILZ003>006-008-010>013-019>021-023-032-033-039-103>108-INZ001-002-
010-011-019-182015-
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-
305 PM CDT Fri Jul 17 2026 /405 PM EDT Fri Jul 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.
  Limited Flooding Risk.

DISCUSSION...

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected through early
this evening. The strongest storms may be capable of gusty winds
up to 50 mph and downpours which may lead to localized flooding.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

Saturday...
  Elevated Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
     Level 2 of 5 Severe Thunderstorm Risk.
  Limited Excessive Heat Risk.
Saturday Night...
  High Swim Risk at Lake Michigan Beaches.
Monday...
  Elevated Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
     Level 2 of 5 Severe Thunderstorm Risk.
Tuesday...
  High Swim Risk at Lake Michigan Beaches.

DISCUSSION...

Additional rounds of thunderstorms are likely Saturday and
Monday, some of which could be strong to severe.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

  Spotter activation will not be necessary through tonight.

GENERAL STORM MOTION OF THE DAY:

  Moving toward the east at 15 to 20 mph.

$$

Hazard Report Provided By forecast.weather.gov