Elevated Fire Risk Monday Afternoon

There have been quite a few calls coming in over the scanners of field and grass fires Sunday afternoon.  The wind hasn't been overly strong but the combination of extremely dry vegetation and very low relative humidity (under 30%), has caused fires to quickly spread out of control.


The fire risk will continue Monday but could be slightly higher due to an increase in winds from the southwest as early as mid-morning Monday.  Southwest winds will gust as high as 30 mph during the afternoon helping to dry out the atmosphere.  The combination of those strong winds and relative humidity under 30 percent will keep the elevated fire risk going through Monday evening.  Limit or even avoid outdoor burning Monday.  Dew point temperatures (more moisture) will be on the increase beginning Tuesday.  So even though the wind will be increasing on Tuesday, relative humidity should be high enough to limit any fire danger.