Extremely dry, unseasonably warm air bring elevated fire risk

The unseasonably warm end to the weekend is set to carry on into the start of the work week, though it does come with a catch. 

The combination of the 80° warmth, breezy Southwest wind, and ongoing drought may promote an elevated brush and field fire risk once again. This will allow for fires to spread quickly and be difficult to put out. Be sure to avoid outdoor burning and use caution with farm equipment!

Cloud cover will increase overnight as a weak system ejects off the Rocky Mountains. From there, it will sweep across the plains, entering the western Great Lakes by Tuesday afternoon. Moisture will be lacking, though there may be just enough to warrant the chance for an isolated shower. Even if we stay dry, the cloud cover in place will result in a cooler afternoon with highs in the low 70s. 

 

An even drier air mass spills in Wednesday afternoon following the first of two cold fronts. This may promote another fire risk Wednesday as northwest winds could gust up to 25 mph. This wind also ushers in a cooler air mass, with high temperatures back in the 60s for a few days through Friday before another warmup possible into the weekend.