Fire Weather Watch
2026-02-16T18:00:00-07:00

...PROLONGED PERIOD OF CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EARLY TO MID NEXT WEEK... .Recent dry conditions combining with above normal temperatures and much stronger winds early next week will bring potentially critical fire weather conditions Monday and Tuesday, possibly lasting into Wednesday. There is potential for extreme fire weather conditions on Tuesday as widespread strong and gusty winds to around 60 mph are expected. The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Monday morning through Monday afternoon. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 216, 240, 241, 244, 245, 246, 247 and 249. * TIMING...For the first Fire Weather Watch, from late Monday morning through Monday afternoon. For the second Fire Weather Watch, from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph on Monday. On Tuesday, west winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts around 60 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 11 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire. There is potential for extreme fire weather conditions on Tuesday.


Kishwaukee River River Levels

Last Updated: February 13, 2026

The Kishwaukee River is a 63-mile-long river in northern Illinois that flows through Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, and DeKalb counties.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Kishwaukee River was last observed at 1,419 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 2,815 acre-ft of water today; about 90% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,579 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2013-04-20 when daily discharge volume was observed at 22,020 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Kishwaukee River Near Perryville reporting a streamflow rate of 1,210 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Kishwaukee River, with a gauge stage of 6.23 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Kishwaukee River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 740 ft, the Kishwaukee River At Belvidere.




15-Day Weather Outlook


River Details

Last Updated 2026-01-20
Discharge Volume 2,815 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,419.0 cfs
+696.0 cfs (+96.27%)
Percent of Normal 89.85%
Maximum 22,020.0 cfs
2013-04-20
Seasonal Avg 1,579 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Kishwaukee River At Belvidere
USGS 05438500
221 cfs 1.31 ft 5.74
Kishwaukee River Near Perryville
USGS 05440000
1210 cfs 6.23 ft 136.79
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Kishwaukee River, locally known as simply "The Kish", is a 63.4-mile-long (102.0 km) river in the U.S. state of Illinois.