There is an increased risk of fire spread Friday afternoon. Relative humidity values are expected to fall to around 30% to 35% across much of the area in the wake of a cold front by the mid to late afternoon hours. This will be combined with west to northwest winds near 15 mph, with gusts of 25 to 30 mph possible, temperatures in the mid to upper 70s, and clearing skies. These conditions will support the spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts. Burn restrictions and burn bans are in effect for some areas. Refer to your state's forest fire management agency for more information on burn restrictions in your local area. Relative humidity values will remain low into the weekend, however winds will be much lighter. Burn restrictions may still be in place given the very dry conditions and lack of any recent rainfall.
