Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding from the Southern Plains to the Great Lakes; Record Heat in the East

Widely scattered severe thunderstorms may produce damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding from the southern Plains into the lower Great Lakes. Elevated to locally critical fire weather conditions will persist across portions of the Southwest and Southern High Plains due to gusty winds and dry conditions. An early-season heatwave will challenge temperature records across the eastern U.S.. 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.