Staff Reports
GRAHAM COUNTY – The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Southeastern Arizona, including elevations up to 5,500 feet in southwest Graham County and the southern San Carlos Apache Reservation.
The Fire Weather Watch is effective from Thursday morning through the evening for strong and gusty winds, low relative humidity, and high fire danger. According to the NWS, winds are southwest at a steady 20 to 25 mph with gusts between 40 and 45 mph, and the relative humidity is 7 to 12 percent.
Fire Weather Watches are issued anytime the area has been dry for a substantial amount of time (or for a shorter period during spring green-up or after fall color), the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) is high to extreme, and critical weather conditions are expected within the next 48 hours. These critical elements are:
- sustained winds averaging 15 mph or greater
- relative humidity 25 percent or less
- temperature 75°F or greater
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warnings are issued anytime there is an ongoing wildfire or critical weather conditions that will occur within the next 24 hours. These conditions are:
- sustained winds averaging 15 mph or greater
- relative humidity 25 percent or less
- temperature 75°F or greater
Source: National Weather Service
