Make the text clearer: Compounding this problem, Chicago received only 1 inch (2.5 cm) of rain from July 4 to October 9, causing severe drought conditions before the fire, while strong southwest winds helped to carry flying embers toward the heart of the city.
Chicago compounded this problem. Chicago received only 1 inch (2.5 cm) of rain from July 4 to October 9, causing severe drought conditions before the fire, while strong southwest winds helped to carry flying embers toward the heart of the city.