Latest news with #FireWeatherWatch
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows States Where Red-Flag Fire Warnings in Effect
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Five states are under red-flag fire warnings amid conditions that could cause "extreme fire behavior," according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Why It Matters Red-flag warnings are issued when weather conditions could cause wildfires that could endanger lives or property. The western region of the United States has been in a decades-long drought that has fueled historic wildfires in recent years. For instance, fires in southern California led to dozens of deaths and the destruction of structures near Los Angeles this year. What To Know The NWS on Monday implemented a red-flag warning across parts of Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming amid concerns that strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures could lead to fires across those states. It spans most of Utah, the westernmost areas of Colorado, southwest Wyoming, southeast Idaho and parts of central and northern Nevada. In Utah, southwesterly winds with gusts of up to 35 mph, along with relative humidities as low as 5-14 percent, could create critical fire conditions this week. Areas in central and northern Nevada has a moderate fire risk due to sustained southwest winds nearing 15 mph, with gusts nearing 25 mph, and relative humidity values as low as 5 percent. Some areas in central Nevada are under a Fire Weather Watch, which the NWS issues when there is a combination of dry fuels and weather conditions that could lead to extreme fire danger. During a red-flag warning, residents are urged to avoid risky behavior like campfires or other open flames, smoking or setting off fireworks. The NWS also urges residents to have an evacuation plan, ensure they have a go kit ready in case of an emergency and listen to their local officials for evacuation updates. Firefighters battle a wildfire in Pacific Palisades, California, on January 7, 2025. Firefighters battle a wildfire in Pacific Palisades, California, on January 7, 2025. DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images What People Are Saying The Salt Lake City branch of the NWS, Sunday on X: "Southwesterly winds with gusts to 35 mph will combine with low RH to create critical fire weather conditions on Monday for most of central, southern, and portions of northern Utah. These conditions will persist through Wednesday for portions of central and southern Utah." The Elko, Nevada, branch of the NWS, Monday on X: "There is an elevated risk of wildfires in most of Northern and Central Nevada from 11 AM this morning until 10 PM this evening. The combination of critically dry fuels, very low relative humidity values, and gusty southwest winds can contribute to extreme fire behavior." What Happens Next The conditions could continue through Wednesday, according to the NWS. The warning is in effect until 9 p.m. MT on Wednesday for some areas near Salt Lake City.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
New Mexico wildfires force evacuations, spark air quality alerts
Two large wildfires burning in southwestern New Mexico remain 0% contained as intense heat, wind and drought continue to fuel dangerous fire conditions. The Trout Fire, located 12 miles north of Silver City-about 150 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas- has burned 18,278 acres since it was first reported on June 12, according to New Mexico Fire Information. The blaze has triggered evacuation orders for at least 350 homes. "These fires are being fueled by a combination of extreme heat, prolonged drought and very dry vegetation. Low snowpack across the Southwest last winter left the region primed for early-season fire activity," AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. More than 600 personnel are working to contain the Trout Fire. Crews are using direct handlines and dozer lines to fight the flames, while helicopters assist with water and retardant drops when conditions allow. But the weather continues to complicate efforts, especially at night. "Usually humidity rises overnight and helps us out," Stefan La-Sky, spokesperson for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team said. "But it's remained dry. So we're seeing considerable fire movement even during the night, which we usually don't see." The fire's cause is under investigation. Buck Fire continues to spread About 120 miles to the north, the Buck Fire has burned over 35,000 acres near Aragon, New Mexico. Lightning sparked the fire on June 11, and it continues to spread in grass and timber despite aggressive suppression efforts. Air resources have been key to limiting fire progression along the northern flanks, especially as gusty, erratic winds fueled additional growth Sunday and Monday. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Tuesday as hot, dry conditions persist and winds remain a significant concern. Both fires have prompted area closures and trail shutdowns. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) has asked hikers to avoid sections near the Buck Fire for safety. Officials are urging residents to follow evacuation notices and avoid flying drones in the fire area. "If you fly, we can't," they warned, referencing the risk drones pose to firefighting aircraft. Temperatures in the region remain in the low to mid-90s with extremely low humidity. Winds will begin increasing as red flag conditions move into the region. "Winds across western New Mexico are expected to pick up Friday and remain gusty through next Wednesday. That's going to be a major concern, especially with both fires still at 0% containment," Pastelok said. Wildfire smoke sparks air quality concerns Air quality concerns are also growing as smoke becomes more visible from highways and nearby communities. "Smoke from these fires has already been affecting air quality across the region. Albuquerque will likely see impacts through the rest of the week, and Denver could be affected by the weekend," Pastelok noted. An air quality alert has been issued for parts of Grant County due to smoke from the Trout Fire. Hazardous air quality levels are expected through midday Wednesday. Areas most affected include the Sapillo Creek and Mimbres Valley along Highway 35, as well as along Highway 152 between Santa Clara and San Lorenzo. Health officials urge everyone to avoid outdoor exertion. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should remain indoors. Those with heart conditions experiencing symptoms like a fast pulse, shortness of breath or unusual weakness are advised to contact their healthcare provider.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Live Blog: NWS issues its First Red Flag Warning of the season
( — The National Weather Service issued a Fire Weather Watch for the Northern and Central Sacramento Valley on Thursday, but it has since been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning. The warning is expected to last until Monday at 8 p.m. NWS stated the humidity level will be between 15 to 25 percent, with the highest threat set to be in Central and Southern Sacramento Valley, along and west of the I-5 corridor, and the Northern San Joaquin Valley. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Modesto PD to conduct DUI checkpoint Friday night
( Modesto Police Department is holding a DUI Checkpoint on Friday at 8 p.m. at an undisclosed location. According to MPD, DUI checkpoint locations are based on the data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The main point of these checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road. National Weather Service issues a Fire Weather Watch for Sacramento region 'Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,' Sergeant Robert Hall said. 'Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.' MPD stated that they want to remind the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. There are some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs that may interfere with driving. MPD said, 'While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.' Drivers that have been charged with a first-time DUI will face an average of $13,500 fines and penalties as well as a suspended license, stated MPD. MPD said the funding of this program was by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Weather Service issues a Fire Weather Watch for Sacramento region
( — The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the Northern and Central Sacramento Valley starting Sunday morning due to strong winds coming in from the north. The NWS stated that the watch will last until Monday at 8 p.m. According to Chief Meteorologist Adam Epstein, the recent warm weather has dried out vegetation below 1000 feet in elevation. Grasses have become fuel for fires. If a fire starts, windy conditions on Sunday and Monday could quickly spread the flames. Northerly gusts of 20-35 mph are forecast, with the strongest winds likely to occur on Monday. NWS officials said the Fire Weather Watch is being issued due to the combination of gusty winds and low humidity, which can cause fires to rapidly grow in size and intensity. Outdoor burning is not recommended while the Watch is in effect. NWS shares some Fire Weather safety: Proper disposal of cigarettes and matches Avoid power equipment that creates sparks Make sure no vehicle parts drag on growing, including towing chains Do not park your vehicle over dry grass and vegetation Starting next week, the Sacramento region can expect to experience consistent 90-degree high temperatures, according to the NWS. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
