Critical fire weather and freezing temperatures hit four southern states simultaneously on Monday morning, prompting National Weather Service (NWS) offices across the region to issue separate warnings for each threat.
“When we have these really strong first Arctic blasts come through, they are very dry,” NWS lead forecaster Phil Grigsby told Newsweek. “From a red flag warning perspective, what we are looking for is relative humidities getting down below 30 percent and windspeeds over 15 mph. We have that with this system today.”
Why It Matters
Red flag warnings are issued when atmospheric conditions are favorable for quick fire spread. Warm temperatures usually play a role in heightening these dangerous conditions, but that wasn’t the case on Monday, as freeze warnings were also in place for the same states facing red flag warnings.
The freeze warnings come as an early-season cold air mass plunges into the southern U.S., sparking hypothermia warnings as far south as South Florida.
What To Know
On Monday, red flag warnings and freeze warnings were issued simultaneously in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. In Texas, a less severe freeze watch was in place for areas also facing red flag warnings.
Although warm temperatures weren’t heightening the risk of wildfires, low humidity and strong wind gusts prompted NWS officials to urge people to refrain from burning until conditions improved.
“Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” NWS New Orleans said in the red flag warning.
Relative humidity was as low as 15 percent in the warning areas, with winds gusting as high as 30 mph.
Meteorologists in the same states warned that temperatures could dip into the low- to mid-20s in some areas. The coldest temperatures, as low as 19 degrees, were expected in parts of Alabama and the Florida panhandle. Wind would make temperatures feel even colder.
“Cold air alone can be deadly, but when the air is moving, it feels much colder,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said in a webpage about wind chill. “The wind chill is the effect of the cold wind on people and animals – as the wind increases, it removes heat from the body faster, driving down skin temperature and, eventually, internal body temperature.”
What People Are Saying
NWS Birmingham, in a red flag warning: “A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now….or will shortly. A combination of strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.”
NWS New Orleans, in a freeze warning: “Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. Bring your pets indoors and check on your neighbors to ensure they have proper heating.”
What Happens Next
Most red flag warnings are set to expire by Monday evening, while freeze warnings will remain in place until Tuesday morning. People are advised to refrain from burning until conditions improve and also be cognizant of frigid temperatures and make efforts to protect themselves from the cold.
