Wildfire Season Expected to Start Early Due to Expansive Drought Conditions

A massive wildfire that exploded across Florida last week could serve as a harbinger of a harsh fire season in the months ahead. Here is a look at where spring wildfire activity will be the most prevalent in the coming months.

Widespread Drought Conditions Putting Much of the U.S. on Alert for Spring Wildfires

Increasing drought conditions across a large slice of the U.S. are going to raise the risk of wildfire danger heading into the spring. According to recent reports from the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions are present in over 40% of the country. This dryness will pair with the long-range forecast of warmer-than-average temperatures to raise concerns that wildfire season will get off to a fast start this spring in some areas of the U.S.

In general, the greatest dangers are expected to stretch from the interior portions of the West to the east into the Plains. Some pockets of Florida and the mid-Atlantic will also be under a heightened risk for wildfire development this spring.