ARKANSAS, USA — In February, you may not have expected to hear us talk about temperatures in the 80s! You also might be caught off guard by the fact that our wildfire danger is elevated across the state. Yes, the warm temperatures and low humidity might feel amazing, but that combination is a dream scenario for wildfires.
Currently, several counties in Arkansas have issued a burn ban. Here's an article keeping up with the latest on burn bans in Arkansas.
Arkansas Forestry area of concern
The Arkansas Forestry Commission has placed Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley under a moderate risk for wildfire potential. Parts of southern and eastern Arkansas have been placed in a high risk for wildfire risk.
You may have heard us talk about all the "controlled burns" that have been conducted recently, or you've smelled the smoke in the air. The Arkansas Forestry Commission is conducting those burns to try to eliminate the fuel potential for these wildfires.
What is the science behind wildfire risks?
Currently, the jetstream is creating a ridge or a pocket of warm air across Arkansas, allowing warm moist air to flow into most of the south and raising temperatures. While we have warmer temperatures, you may have noticed that it is still very comfortable outside, and that's because our humidity is still riding at low levels.
Dew point values are currently in the 40s and 50s, and that is a part of the reason why we have this elevated risk. With lower humidity, wildfires can spark faster, burn hotter, and spread quicker.
On days that we have strong winds, you will hear the National Weather Service talk about the even higher potential for wildfires.
How can Arkansas prevent wildfires?
One key takeaway to prevent wildfires is to overall just be smart when handling flames. Make sure cigarettes stay out of grassy areas and keep your cars out of tall dry grass. If you plan on camping during this warm weather, remember to completely soak your campfire so no embers can escape and cause a fire.
The good news is that currently no part of 5COUNTRY has a drought concern, and the only section of Arkansas that does is in the Delta. That concern from the drought monitor is very low.
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