Gusty winds are whipping through our areas as the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning across most of SE Texas Thursday.
The correct spark can turn into dangerous wildfire fuel, especially in dry air conditions in a matter of seconds to minutes.
1-3 Seconds: More flammable material like a spark from a cigarette, match or equipment.
1-2 Minutes: Slightly less material like a spark from embers, overheated lawn equipment or even glass refraction which is when a piece of glass is on dry material and heated by the sun.
Regardless of the time, all scenarios are dangerous, especially on windy days like Wednesday and Thursday.
What’s the difference Red Flag Warning compared to a Fire Weather Watch?
The key differences are certainty, action, and criteria. In short, think of the watch as a heads-up and a warning as-act now.
But what’s the actual definition?
Red Flag Warning: This is issued when weather conditions are expected to occur within the next 12- 24 hours.
Fire Weather Watch: This is issued to advise the possible development of red flag conditions in the near future, generally the next 24 to 72 hours.
Watching and Tracking Thursday: Today we’re tracking a Red Flag Warning: From 1 pm to 7 pm for western portions of Southeast Texas.
This includes portions of:
Madison, Burleson, Brazos, Washington, Grimes, Colorado, Austin, Waller, Wharton, Fort Bend, Inland Jackson, Inland Matagorda, and Coastal Jackson.
As we continue to track winds northwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 +mph, humidity as low as 13 percent and warm temperatures in the 80s.
Track the Dry Conditions: Your weather team is always looking out for you and you can track the Drought Monitor in your neighborhood anytime here:
