Tracking critical fire weather conditions
TODAY: The word of Thursday's forecast is GUSTY. Winds will gradually turn from westerly to northwesterly into the afternoon, while sustained near 15-20 mph. Gusts will range from 25-35 mph this afternoon. Partner this with a relative humidity below 20% and we have a recipe for dangerous fire behavior. The National Weather Service offices in Missouri have issued a Fire Weather Watch for our western counties, and a Red Flag Warning for our southern counties. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. Even where we don't have these issued, it is best practice to not burn as conditions will still be windy and dry, despite yesterday's rain. Expect sunny skies, with a high in the mid-60s.
TONIGHT: Winds will relax overnight, but maintain enough of a breeze (5-10 mph) from the west to keep frost from being a widespread issue as we drop into the mid-to-upper 30s. Winds should mix up the air near the surface, preventing low level pooling of cold air. Skies stay mostly clear.
EXTENDED: Skies start sunny on Friday, with a chill to the air. Wind chills may keep us feeling like 30s and 40s for much of Friday morning as winds will pick up again on Friday. Winds are not as windy Friday afternoon, but we may still see gusts as high as 20-30 mph. Conditions are similarly dry, but not as extreme as Thursday. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for our southern most counties on Friday. Pay close attention to the forecast if you have burning plans Friday. Conditions look more favorable this weekend with calmer conditions. Other than a slim chance for showers Saturday morning, expect dry weather the rest of the forecast. We'll trade highs in the 60s this weekend, for highs in the 50s, and lows near freezing by early next week.
