Active Spring Like Pattern Across the Country

A frontal boundary will slowly move eastward and clear most of the eastern seaboard by Sunday. Showers and thunderstorms, some severe, will accompany this front alongside the threat of heavy rainfall; These threats may linger along the Gulf Coast states into early next week. Meanwhile, record spring-like warmth is forecast, mainly east of the Mississippi River, this weekend into next week. 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.