When strong winds, high temperatures, and low humidity team up, it’s a recipe for Red Flag Warnings that have sparked worries about wildfires in the western U.S.
California, a wildfire hotspot, is under a Red Flag Warning until Tuesday morning, and the National Weather Service didn’t stop there, issuing alerts for parts of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and even reaching up to Alaska.
The NWS cautioned on Monday about the dry and windy conditions in the southwestern U.S., creating a ripe environment for wildfire outbreaks.
Data reveals fires in California are already ablaze, stretching from Los Angeles to past San Francisco, with severe incidents near Frazier Mountain close to Santa Clarita. Wind warnings joined the Red Flags in northern Arizona, southern Colorado, and Utah.
The NWS highlighted the potential for rapid growth of fires before responders can get a grip, especially given the challenging conditions.
What Exactly are Red Flag Warnings?
Red Flag Warnings are nature’s way of alerting federal land fire managers about conditions ripe for fast-spreading fires.
To issue a Red Flag Warning, weather forecasters consider factors like plant moisture, humidity levels, and sustained windy conditions at 20 feet off the ground. Sounds complicated, right?
Well, these warnings aren’t your year-round buddies; they typically show up between February 15 to April 30 and October 1 to December 15.
Fires are Already Raging Across Multiple States
California is currently battling approximately 1,769 wildfires, scorching around 42,000 acres, and forcing hundreds to flee their homes.
This Red Flag Warning for Critical Fire Weather conditions in the Valley and adjacent foothills will be on until early Tuesday morning. Remember these wildfire safety tips! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/BanWJqqWOm
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) June 17, 2024
Alaska is also battling 11 fresh wildfires as warnings remained in place due to potential lightning risks.
Over the weekend, there were reports of 12 new significant fires, scorching approximately 114,873 acres, emphasizing the need for extreme caution.
Residents in affected regions are advised to avoid open flames, sparks, and dry grass, sticking to burn bans for safety.
As nearly one in five Americans faces extreme weather alerts at the week’s beginning, high temperatures reaching 105 degrees are looming in the northeast and Midwest.
On the flip side, other regions like the north-central Plains might experience heavy rainfalls and severe thunderstorms.