Rowan weather: Fire danger due to low humidity, high winds

Published 7:57 am Thursday, March 15, 2018

We’ve had snow, rain, days in the 80s and nights in the teens.

Now we are in danger of fast-spreading fires.

With low humidity and high winds, outdoor fires could easily get out of control. Despite the precipitation over the last few weeks, leaves and downed limbs are very dry and pose a threat from fire.

Today will be sunny and warmer, 64, but with south southwest winds at 6-11 mph, increasing to 15-20 mph, and gusting as high as 32 mph. The high winds will further dry out dead leaves and wood.

Tonight will be mostly clear and 41, with west southwest wind at 7-11 mph, gusting up to 18 mph.

Friday will be mostly sunny and 63, with west northwest winds at just 5-10 mph. A 20 percent chance of showers moves in after midnight Friday. It will be mostly cloudy and 39.

Saturday will have a 40 percent chance of showers, with thunderstorms possible after 5 p.m. (another fire trigger). It will be mostly cloudy and 57 with southwest wind at 5-9 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday night has just a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low of 41.

Sunday should be mostly sunny and 63, then a 40 percent chance of showers is possible late Sunday night, with a low of 44.

Monday has a 60 percent chance of showers, mainly in the afternoon. It will be mostly cloudy and 55. Monday night has the same chance of showers, with rain earlier in the evening. It will be mostly cloudy and 47.

Tuesday has a 50 percent chance of showers, but will be partly sunny and 63. The chance of showers drops to 30 percent Tuesday night, with a low of 40.

Wednesday will have a 30 percent chance of showers, but be mostly sunny and 55.