FROM EMWP - R E D   F L A G   W A R N I N G

This morning the National Weather Service (NWS) changed Monday's weather forecast to red flag status. Pay attention to conditions on Tuesday as well. It will probably be updated to red flag status in the next 24 hours.

Here again is a reminder of the meaning of red flag weather conditions: Red flag conditions are when the temperature for that specific day is unusually high, the relative humidity is very low (15 per cent or lower), winds speeds are above 20 miles per hour (mph) sustained, with much higher gusts, the area wide fuels are extremely dry and receptive to ignition (we all know this is the case - no precipitation of any consequence since early November), and finally these conditions are expected to last for at least 6 hours across the area.   

The official details: red flag conditions are expected to be met by 11 am, and last until 7 pm. Winds will be out of the southwest/west at 25-35 mph, with gusts from 40 to 50 mph. relative humidity will drop to between 7 -13 per cent. The final admonition from the weather service: any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. EMWPA adds to this that conditions before and after the actual red flag trigger point will be similar, so be prepared. Take tomorrow morning to make sure you are prepared, especially for the winds. Here is the link to the official NWS forecast:
 https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=110244158