Windy and Dry Conditions Raise Wildfire Risk Across Central U.S. This Week

Gusty winds whipping over the parched landscape of the Plains will raise the threat of wildfires well into next week in a zone from the Rockies to the Midwest. Read on for the details of this potentially dangerous weather pattern.

Windy and Dry Weather Amplifies Wildfire Threat in Plains and Beyond

A lack of moisture, unseasonably warm temperatures, and windy conditions are all combining to increase the chances of wildfire ignition and spread across a large swath of the central U.S. In addition to the short-term risk, meteorologists are warning that the threat is likely to remain elevated throughout the rest of the spring in this part of the nation.

A northward bulge in the jet stream formed over the weekend, sending the temperatures back on the upswing across the Rockies and beyond. Residents of Wyoming, Colorado, and the northeastern corner of New Mexico were put on alert for an increased chance of fires breaking out as the wind speeds increased.

The zone of high pressure moving into the Midwest and the Ohio Valley also raised concerns about the risk of wildfires in these regions. The dry brush and the low humidity levels are the perfect storm for fire spread should a spark take hold across the parched vegetation. Winds hitting speeds of up to 55 mph added to the danger.

Unseasonably warm temperatures across the Rockies and Four Corners region persisted throughout the weekend. However, the core of the heat is forecast to move to the east as the new week progresses. This will put the central and eastern U.S. in the bullseye for temperatures that trend well above the norm for the end of March and the beginning of April.

Forecasters are telling residents that the threat of wildfire action will linger through the Plains until a significant rain event arrives. The long-range forecast indicates little to no rain heading into the month of April.

Most of the storm activity for the beginning of April is forecast to fire up in areas farther east. For instance, the zone from eastern Texas up into New England may see the chance of meaningful moisture, while communities to the west of this line remain high and dry.

The threat of wildfires will not abate in the Plains until enough rain triggers the annual green-up of the vegetation. Forecasters are predicting the western portions of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska will be under a moderate to high risk of wildfires through the rest of the spring season. Likewise, the eastern edge of Colorado will also be under this threat, especially during times of high winds.

Cities that are under this umbrella of heightened wildfire activity in the weeks ahead include Pueblo, Colorado; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and El Paso and Lubbock, Texas. Another zone of elevated wildfire danger will persist over the Southeast and into Florida. This primary zone of impact includes Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Orlando.

Where to Expect the Core of the Warmth and Winds This Week

The position of the jet stream will send the core of the warmth across the southern and central Plains, the Midwest, the mid-Atlantic, and the Ohio and Mississippi valleys.  The rising temperatures will not help ease the concerns of the wildfires across the large swath of real estate.

Looking at a few specific local forecasts, Oklahoma City is going to start the work week with another day of hot and windy conditions. The largest metro area in the state is bracing for a Monday forecast calling for mostly sunny skies and highs that hover in the mid 80s. Winds will be the biggest story, coming in from the south-southwest at 20 to 30 mph. Gusts that exceed the 40-mph mark are possible at times.