Missouri’s fire risk rises with spring-like weather and persistent dry conditions

A spring-like start to the year is also bringing some unwanted fire weather conditions, with a combination of low humidity and high winds expected over the next few days.

The main driver of this fire risk is the gusty southwesterly winds that will blow across the state through Tuesday. These winds have caused temperatures in central Missouri to rise ten to nearly twenty degrees above average, but there hasn't been a corresponding increase in moisture.

Because temperatures are so far above normal, the air is drier, and humidity is expected to drop to around 30% across the Ozarks and southern Missouri.

Dry fuels will also help spread any fires that start. Soil moisture levels are below the 20th and 10th percentiles for much of the area, meaning these are the driest 20% to 10% of days for this time of year.

The National Weather Service in Springfield recommends avoiding burning debris piles, properly discarding cigarettes, and keeping chains from dragging while driving. If you believe a fire is out of control, contact 9-1-1 immediately before it becomes a much larger blaze.

Last year, Missouri experienced an unusually active fire weather season, with over 1,000 fires reported in March alone. On March 14th, a strong wind event with 60 mph gusts caused 30 simultaneous fires in Camden County.