Windy and dry, wildfire concerns continue

FORECAST HIGHLIGHTS

STRONGER WINDS TUE/WED: Gusts to 35 mph
FIRE DANGER: Highest Wednesday
RAIN CHANCES: Only a small chance Sunday
COOL MORNINGS: Low to mid 40s Thursday & Friday morning

FORECAST

It was a rough weekend for firefighters, as the Crabapple fire fed off of strong winds. While firefighters are starting to get a handle on the situation, more gusty winds tonight, tomorrow, and Wednesday could complicate the issue.

WINDS STRENGTHEN TUESDAY

As another system approaches, winds will increase a bit on Tuesday with gusts of up to 35 mph, so it’ll be another day of wildfire concerns. However, tomorrow’s wind will have a bit of humidity in it, so despite an elevated fire danger, the fire danger won’t be as high as Wednesday. Temperatures will reach the mid-80s under a sunny sky.

WIND CHANGE WEDNESDAY

Wednesday will be another day of 35 mph gusts, but it’ll be a very dry wind from West Texas (contrary to Tuesday). The high wind combined with very low relative humidity (under 10%) puts nearly all of the KSAT-12 viewing area in the ‘extreme’ fire danger area, which is the highest/worst category. Should any fires still be burning at this point, the wind switch could increase the difficulty of containment. Also, it’ll be easy for a wildfire to start with something as simple as a carelessly discarded cigarette.

LACK OF RAINFALL

We’re still in a dire situation when it comes to rainfall. Drought conditions have worsened and the only chance for rain in the extended forecast is Sunday. That window for rain will likely be small.