High fire danger returns to Southwest, Great Basin through Father's Day weekend
Fire weather alerts have been issued across the region
High fire danger returns to Southwest, Great Basin through Father's Day weekend
Critical fire weather risk will remain for parts of the Southwest through the end of the week.
A critical fire weather risk remains in parts of the central Great Basin on Friday, including the Las Vegas metro area.
The risk also expands into the lower Colorado River Valley, while an elevated risk is in place for the central High Plains.
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(FOX Weather)
A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for southern Nevada and Arizona for Friday and Saturday. A Fire Weather Warning remains in effect from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific time Friday for the following areas shaded in red on the map below.
(FOX Weather)
The National Weather Service in Las Vegas said southerly winds will ramp up Friday across the region, with gusts close to 60 mph possible in Esmeralda, Nye and Lincoln counties. Afternoon humidity is expected to be around 5 to 10%.
(FOX Weather)
While not quite as strong Saturday, southerly winds will continue across the area. Gusts over 40 mph are once again forecast for most of southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, leading to another round of critical fire weather.
There is a small chance of an isolated storm in Mohave County on Saturday, which could produce dry lightning.
INCREASED FIRE THREAT FOR PARTS OF PLAINS, SOUTHWEST TO CONTINUE INTO SUMMER
The winds will increase, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph on Thursday followed by gusts of 40 to 55 mph Friday and Saturday, according to the NWS.
Blowing dust, debris and hazardous crosswinds are also expected.
The same threat areas are expected to continue into the first half of the weekend as strong winds, low humidity levels and dry fuels are forecast.
(FOX Weather)
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