Stacia Knight Weather Blog: Gusty Winds Blow In Increasing Fire Danger

Any and all burning is discouraged today. Southwest winds will be gusting 25 to 30 miles per hour - and with very low relative humidity values this afternoon, Red Flag Warnings have been issued for counties north and west of Tulsa. 

Southwest winds today will bring in warm and dry air. As the temperature climbs, relative humidity values will fall. 

We are not strangers to fire danger but remember, do not drive into smoke. 

Today is not the only day this week that fires will be a concern. On Tuesday, winds will be strong because of an approaching storm system. Winds are expected to be stronger on Tuesday, from 35 to 40 mph from the southeast. 

Usually with a southeast wind, we see our dew points start to climb as moisture from the Gulf of Mexico gets ushered in. Dew points will rise on Tuesday, but it won’t be enough. We need actual precipitation to combat the fire threat. 

Our next chance of precipitation happens to be Tuesday night, but the probability of precipitation is not very high. We will most likely see scattered showers Tuesday night across central Oklahoma that will be associated with a cool front. A few thunderstorms will be possible. 

Rain chances shift into eastern Oklahoma very early Wednesday morning and then quickly move out as the front does. It’s not a lot of water, but at least it’s some. 

Overall, we are in a quiet pattern this week. A stronger system looks like it would be coming in towards the end of next week, and that one looks interesting.