Heavy Rain in the Southern U.S.; Active Weather Continues in Alaska

A storm system will bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and flooding threats to portions of the Southern Plains today, the Lower Mississippi Valley Saturday, and the Southeast into the Mid-Atlantic on Sunday. Another Bering system will impact the Alaskan West Coast and Central Interior through the weekend bringing moderate to heavy snow, high winds, and/or some blizzard conditions. Read More >

Fire Weather Watch/Red Flag Warning Criteria

Specific conditions must be met for a Fire Weather Watch and/or a Red Flag Warning to be issued. These conditions are as follows:

1. KBDI greater that or equal to 600, and

2. Two minute ASOS winds greater than or equal to 17 kts (20 mph), or 20 foot winds greater than or equal to 14 kts (16 mph), and

3. Minimum relative humidity of less than 60% in one or more observations, and

4. Low 10-hr fuel moisture, typical less than 13.

5. Monthly precipitation less than two inches with a decrease and/or cessations of percolation (dew)can signal the onset of the fire season. Forecaster judgment must be used in the watch/warning decision making process.