Dry weather causing high fire danger across the U.S.

With the warm weather this time of year often comes a high fire threat due to dry vegetation.  The little rain, or winter snow, that many states were dealt with over the winter months has also helped to worsen ongoing drought conditions across the United States.

The image to the left is the current drought monitor - as of March 24th - from the National Drought Mitigation Center.  The drought monitor is released every Thursday morning.  Notice how drier than normal conditions have developed over far northwest Illinois, Wisconsin and much of the Midwest.  The drought out west continues to worsen with the heat over the past several days, and months and months without much rain.

As the seasons change, storm systems that develop tend to have a little more strength to them.  And with a strengthening storm system comes wind.   Temperatures will be going up across the Midwest this afternoon, but the relative humidity will be going down.  With very little moisture in the atmosphere,  or ground vegetation, the fire threat remains high this afternoon with strong south winds.  Red Flag Warnings have been issued in many states due to the high threat for wild, brush and grass fires.  This means no burning today.  Now, even though it won't get as dry locally, you will want to hold off on any burning today due to the strong south winds.