Spring Break plans should include fire safety thanks to winds, warm weather, and drought conditions

FORECAST HIGHLIGHTS

FEELIN’ HOT, HOT, HOT: Highs in the low-90s Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
FIRE DANGER (AGAIN) THIS WEEKEND: Gusts of up to 40 mph with warm, dry conditions
WEEKEND COOL FRONT: Temps fall back into the upper-70s over the weekend

FORECAST

Lots to talk about in the forecast, but first, let’s chat about a serious risk for grass fires both today and Friday.

ELEVATED FIRE RISK

A pair of wound-up low pressure systems will allow for gusty winds both today (Wednesday) and Friday. There’s plenty of dry grasses and other fuels for fires to spread fires rapidly if they get going. So, please avoid any kind of outdoor burning (including campfires), dispose of cigarettes properly, and do not park vehicles on grass. The key timeframe to be on alert is 4 p.m. to 9 p.m..

Wednesday, winds will peak with gusts up to 35-40 mph from the west. Friday, it’ll be even windier, with gusts up to 40-45 mph possible. Areas west of I-35 have the greatest threat for fires, but we all should use precaution.

WARM

Highs this week will be in the low-90s. This is the first time we’ll hit 90° this year. While warm, it will definitely be welcome for those trying to enjoy water activities this Spring Break!

LUNAR ECLIPSE

A total lunar eclipse will occur just after midnight Thursday night into Friday morning. The moon will turn a reddish hue as the earth’s shadow passes in front of the moon from 1:26 a.m. to 2:31 a.m. Friday morning. Look to the southern sky to view. There will be a few wispy cirrus clouds that may temporarily inhibit viewing.

WEEKEND COOL FRONT

After a few days in the low-90s, things will cool down over the weekend with highs in the 70s thanks to a cool front!