Ready Rowan, as well as the National Weather Service, has issued a hazard warning for today because of the high risk of wildfires.
Outdoor burning of any kind is discouraged today, according to Frank Thomason, director of emergency services.
A very dry air mass, with humidity at only 15 to 20 percent, will be in place today, with winds of 10 to 15 mph all day; gusts up to 20 mph. The mountains will see even higher winds.
The winds and low humidity will combine to create a high fire danger. Winds can spread even a small fire, authorities warn.
As if that’s not enough to worry about, there is also a chance for a wintry mix on Friday, mainly snow and freezing rain — most likely in the mountains, with some spread into the foothills.
Today’s high will be near 52, with the wind gusting. Tonight the winds should calm and we’ll drop to 23. The low this morning has dipped to 21.
Friday during the day will be sunny with a high of 44. The wintry mix moves in Friday night, with a chance of rain and snow before 3 a.m. Saturday, then a chance of rain or freezing rain between 3 and 5 a.m. Saturday. Wait another hour and it will be freezing rain. The low should be around 31. Chance of all that mess is 50 percent, but no snow accumulation is expected.
Saturday, the chance for rain or freezing lasts until noon. The high will eventually climb to 51. The nighttime low will be around 34.
Sunday’s skies will be mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Keep your rain gear close by — there’s another chance of rain showers Sunday night, with a low of 47, lasting into Monday, with a 60 percent chance of rain and a high near 64. Expect the same thing Monday night, but with a low of 37.
There’s little improvement Tuesday, with another 40 percent chance of rain and a high near 50.