Elevated Fire Danger This Weekend

Due to dry, warm, and windy conditions, an increased risk for wildfires is a threat across a majority of the state this weekend.  Outdoor burning is not recommended and should be limited or cancelled at all costs.  Under such conditions, any developing wildfires can develop quickly and spread rapidly out of control.  For your safety, please take extreme caution if handling fire outdoors this weekend.

For this afternoon, a RED FLAG WARNING is in effect until 6 PM CST for much of central and western Oklahoma.  Humidity levels in the afternoon will be between 10 and 20 percent in these areas, with highs in the 60s.  Across central and southwest Oklahoma, a north to northwest wind will blow between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.  In north central and northwest Oklahoma, a WIND ADVISORY is also in place in addition to the Red Flag Warning for north to northwest winds sustained between 25 and 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph.



The RED FLAG WARNING expands to parts of northeastern Oklahoma, including the Tulsa area, mainly west of US Highway 75.  In this area, relative humidity levels will be between 15 and 20 percent this afternoon, with temperatures in the 60s, and winds sustained between 20 and 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 and 40 mph.  Northeast Oklahoma is also under a WIND ADVISORY until 6 PM CST this evening for this very reason.  Driving conditions will be made more difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.  Additionally, brief power interruptions could be possible.






The threat does not end on Sunday as conditions will remain nearly the same across the state.  A FIRE WEATHER WATCH is in effect for central and western Oklahoma tomorrow afternoon.  Afternoon humidity levels will again be between 10 and 20 percent in the outlined area, with temperatures in the upper-60s and 70s and southwest winds between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph.  Eastern Oklahoma will see southwesterly sustained winds between 5 and 15 mph Sunday afternoon, but with gusts up to 35 mph at times.

AC

Sources: NWS, disastersafety.org (photo)