Weekend Wildfire Potential

Fall and winter are the most vulnerable seasons for wildfires. The combination of high winds, dry, dormant vegetation and lack of precipitation provides an environment extremely favorable for grassfires and wildfires. Unfortunately, all of these conditions will be present across eastern Oklahoma over the next several days.

Surface high pressure to the east of the Central Plains, and a building area of low pressure across the Intermountain West and Northern Plains will result strong southerly sweeping through Oklahoma over the weekend. We've already experienced wildfires in portions of Creek, Osage and Washington counties Thursday and Friday, and with winds forecast to be even stronger Saturday, Sunday and Monday conditions will be ripe for quick-spreading wildfires. Making matters worse, rain isn't forecast to arrive until Wednesday.

Though there are currently no burn bans in effect, residents are strongly urged to postpone any burning over the next several days. Extra caution should be taken with the use, and disposal of any flammable material.

Surf over to www.newson6.com frequently for the latest updates on any wildfires over the weekend.