Critical Fire Weather in the Southern Plains; Severe Storms in the Ohio Valley

Strong winds and low humidity will create elevated to critical fire weather conditions across the Southern Plains on Thursday. Strong to severe thunderstorms are forecast in the Ohio Valley late Thursday into Friday morning, with the strongest storms capable of producing very large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. 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.