Thunderstorms, some severe, may produce heavy to excessive rainfall and isolated flooding over portions of the Southern Plains today and Saturday. Dry conditions, combined with gusty winds and low relative humidities will continue to support an elevated to critical fire weather threat in the Desert Southwest into to early next week. Read More >
...Fire weather/Fire Prevention Awareness Week concludes today with a look at our primary and secondary fire weather seasons...
Low humidities and high wind speeds are two key ingredients which act to increase the degree of fire danger. These two Weather ingredients, combined with drier vegetation are most prevalent during the primary and secondary fire weather seasons.
The primary fire weather season occurs in the late winter and early spring from February 1st until May 1st. In February and March most of the vegetation is dormant as temperatures begin to warm. Lengthening daylight hours increase surface temperatures which increase the surface evaporation rate and in combination with higher wind speeds, dry out the vegetation. With these ingredients in place, elevated levels of fire danger typically occur until the forest greens up. The cooling effect of the shade and the high moisture content of growing vegetation bring an end to the spring fire season in May. Springtime is when most wildfires occur.
The secondary fire weather season occurs in the fall from September 15th until December 15th. Normally for the Midsouth, the months of September and October are the driest months of the year. During this time of year, cooler temperatures reduce the threat for showers and thunderstorms.
Also, the jet stream, which brings better organized weather systems with more widespread rainfall, is located well North of the Midsouth.
Typically in the month of September, the vegetation begins to dry out. By October, a combination of drier vegetation and the end of the growing season sometimes leads to an extended period of higher fire danger. However, it is common to have low numbers of wildfires during normal fall weather. Although the number of wildfires is typically less in the fall compared to the spring, the largest fires on record have occurred during the fall, especially after a prolonged drought similar to that of 2007.
Although we have discussed the seasonal impacts of weather on fires, keep in mind that fires can occur at any time of the year. We should always strive to stay educated concerning wildfire prevention. But most importantly, be careful and act responsibly.
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