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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists warned of an increased risk of wildfires for Georgia, South Carolina and Colorado on Wednesday.
Why It Matters
Increased fire risk typically occurs during dry weather and can be exacerbated by high temperatures. People are generally advised against outdoor burning and urged to exercise caution with activities that could cause a fire to spark.
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What To Know
NWS meteorologists issued a red flag warning for the Pueblo, Colorado, forecast region. A red flag occurs when environmental conditions are favorable for rapid fire spread. Typically, this means winds must be at least 35 mph, relative humidity levels must be less than 20 percent and dry fuels must be present.
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The red flag warning will remain in effect through 8 p.m. local time for the San Luis Valley in the Pueblo area. Meteorologists warned of north winds up to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, and relative humidity as low as 11 percent.
A special weather statement was also issued for the forecast regions of Peachtree City, Georgia, and Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina.
High fire danger conditions were expected on Wednesday afternoon and evening for north and central Georgia. Relative humidity was expected to be 25 percent or less, with north-northwest winds blowing at 5 mph to 10 mph. There's a presence of dry fuels in the area, and meteorologists urged people to "use extreme caution" if they burn outside.
In South Carolina, meteorologists warned of increased fire danger through 7 p.m. Wednesday. The special weather statement was issued by the Palmetto State office but applied to northeast Georgia.
What People Are Saying
NWS meteorologist Meredith Wyatt, who works at the Peachtree City office, told Newsweek: "It is fire season. What we have in effect for today is a fire danger statement, and basically what this means is using extreme caution if burning outside today."
Wyatt added that the statement could be reissued later in the week.
NWS Pueblo red flag warning: "Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg in a special weather statement: "Dead brush and leaf litter, which can serve as fuels for wildfires, have steadily dried out over the past few days given a lack of rainfall and persistent warm, dry air over the region."
What Happens Next
The NWS Climate Prediction Center forecasts that temperatures will be above normal for Georgia and South Carolina through March 7, and near normal for Colorado. But precipitation is expected to be above average for all three states during the same time period.
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