National Weather Service Issues Fire Weather Watch for Tomorrow

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch that will go into effect tomorrow at 11AM and last until 7PM. This watch encompasses our far northern counties; namely Saline, Randolph, Chariton, Macon, Monroe, and Audrain

Fire Weather Watches are issued when south to southwest winds are expect to reach 20 to 30mph, humidity is as low as 23 percent, temperatures are are in the mid 70s or above, and ample “fuel” for the fire is available, such as dry grasses and crops.

A strong pressure gradient is expected over our area tomorrow as high pressure will move further towards the east cost and an area of low will intensify to our northwest. This will result in gusty conditions, where we could see wind gusts up to 28 mph. Additionally, an upper-level ridge that is currently building over our area will bring temperatures into the upper 70s region-wide. The winds coupled with the high temperatures occurring over our already dry landscape make conditions optimal for the development of wildfires.

Tomorrow, outdoor burning is highly recommended against, as wildfires, if initiated, will spread rapidly.