fire danger
-Advertisement-
Corpus Christi, Texas – Dry air, gusty winds, and receptive fuels are creating elevated fire weather conditions across inland South Texas today, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid activities that could spark fires through the evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi, a Fire Danger Statement is in effect this morning through 9 p.m. Sunday for inland portions of South Texas. Relative humidity values are expected to drop as low as 10 to 25 percent inland, with 25 to 35 percent humidity closer to the coast. At the same time, north to northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph, will create conditions favorable for rapid fire spread.
The highest fire danger is expected across inland counties including Duval, Jim Wells, Live Oak, Bee, McMullen, La Salle, and portions of Nueces County away from the immediate coast. Dry grasses and brush will ignite easily under today’s conditions, and gusty winds could cause fires to grow quickly and become difficult to control.
Temperatures will remain warm through the day, further drying fuels. Winds are expected to remain elevated through the afternoon before gradually easing later tonight, allowing fire conditions to slowly improve after sunset.
Fire officials strongly recommend avoiding open flames, outdoor burning, and activities that produce sparks, including welding or using certain machinery. Residents are also urged to keep vehicles off dry grass, properly discard cigarettes, and secure trailer chains that could drag and spark along roadways.
Anyone who is permitted to burn should postpone until conditions improve. Even small fires could escape control rapidly today.
Fire danger conditions are expected to diminish later this evening as winds relax and humidity recovers. However, officials caution that similar conditions could return on future dry and windy days, and residents should remain alert for additional fire weather statements.
