Urgent Red Flag Weather Warnings Announced for 13 States Due to Fire Threat, 40 mph Winds

The National Weather Service announced that parts of 13 states were under so-called "red flag" warnings on March 28.

You can see a map of the states here. "Unseasonably warm temperatures continue through the weekend across the Southwest and southern U.S., with more than 100 record or near record maximum temperatures forecast through the rest of the week and over the weekend," the National Weather Service wrote. "Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will persist across the Plains and Southeast U.S. this weekend."

The NWS added: "Fire weather concerns will prevail across the Plains and Southeast for Saturday" March 28.

The National Weather Service Wrote That There Are 'Favorable Conditions for Fire Spread'

According to the NWS, the "numerous Red Flag Warnings are in effect across the Central Plains and the Southeast for Saturday. Winds are expected to gust into the 25-40 mph range for areas in a Red Flag Warning atop low relative humidities in a post-frontal air mass."

"This will promote favorable conditions for fire spread and burning should try to be avoided," the weather service advised.

Among the states affected are parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. A red flag warning and burn ban were also issued for Tallahassee, Florida. "This warning applies to Inland Gulf, Leon, Inland Jefferson, Inland Wakulla and Southern Liberty counties," wrote Tallahassee.com.

Much of Minnesota was also under a red flag warning on March 28 due to "dangerous fire conditions," Fox 9 reported. "A red flag warning means any fire that does start could spread quickly and grow out of control. Outdoor burning is not recommended," the station reported. The Twin Cities metropolitan area was also under the warning. The State of Alabama was also issued a fire warning.

"A very dry airmass will move into the Deep South tomorrow; humidity levels will be in the 20-25 percent range, and north winds will gust to 30 mph at times. No outdoor burning tomorrow," ABC3340.com reported, noting that Mississippi was also under the red flag warning.

What Is a Red Flag Warning?

Red flag warnings are only released after a careful assessment of multiple condition reports, including wind speed and humidity.

According to NWS, "Red Flag Warnings alert fire managers on federal lands to conditions that are highly unfavorable for prescribed burns and that may lead to especially dangerous wildfire growth."

Added the weather service, "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."

"The warning was issued due to an extreme risk of wildfires in the region this weekend. Weather conditions, which include very dry air and gusty winds, are perfect for wildfires to develop," added WBTV.

"A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when weather and fuel conditions are favorable for rapid wildfire growth and extreme fire behavior," explained ABC3340.com.

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