Statewide Discussion: Areas of elevated fire weather and high to very-high fire danger indices in the northwestern counties will develop today while moderate to high fire danger is expected across the west and in the southern Flint Hills. Rain chances begin tomorrow afternoon and will build from west to east through the evening and into Thursday calming fire danger concern for a few days.
Today: Southerly winds return today ushering in a return to above-normal temperatures. Drying conditions over the past few days has enhanced composite fuel dryness especially across the northern tier of the Oklahoma. Elevated fire weather in the area will pose increased fire danger indices this afternoon in the northwestern counties as well as north-central/northeastern counties.
• Northern Oklahoma: A cool start with moderate to good overnight moisture recovery will give way to afternoon
temperatures 73°-77° under clear skies with relative humidity values 25-29%. Composite fuel moisture has decreased in
recent days bumping up resistance to control. Fine-dead fuel moisture will register 5% across the area with probability of
ignition nearing 70%. Southwest winds sustained 13-18 mph with some gusts over 20 mph driving potential for rapid rates if fire spread on established wildfires. Tall grass fuels will exhibit head fire rates of spread 130-195 ft/min with flame
lengths 17-20 ft. Winds will relax after sunset with rather light winds overnight affording food opportunity for successful
initial attack efforts.
• Northwestern/Western Oklahoma: The highest fire danger indices will develop in northwestern Oklahoma this afternoon before relaxing a bit after sunset. This afternoon, temperatures 69°-76° and relative humidity values 16-28%. Fine-dead fuel moisture will tap 3% across the Panhandle and northwestern Oklahoma while most of western Oklahoma will observe 5% 1hr. fuel moisture. Southwest winds will be strongest in northwestern Oklahoma where sustained winds 13-18 mph gusting to 25 mph will support rapid rates of fire spread on established fires. Rangeland fuels will support head fire rates of spread 152-190 ft/min with flame lengths around 12 ft. Further west in the Oklahoma Panhandle and across much of western Oklahoma, ROS nearer to 130 ft/min should be anticipated. Potential for large fire occurrence is elevated although initial attack activity will predominantly be successful.
Near-Term: Rain chances begin in western Oklahoma tomorrow afternoon and progress from west to east through the overnight hours into Thursday. While some signal for wetting rains in the west is in the mix, lightning ignited wildfires are a threat with storm development. The 72 Hr. Quantitative Precipitation Forecast does hold optimism for wetting rains where they are currently needed most. This will merit close monitor in the next few days as there is opportunity for elevated fire weather in western Oklahoma on Sunday ahead of another cold front.
OFS Resources Mobilized: Resource Hotline (800) 800-2481
• Woodward County–Task Force (DIVS/Engines/Dozers) Available
• 2 CL415’s – Burns Flat
County Burn Bans: (None currently in effect) Click HERE for the most current burn ban information.
