OKLAHOMA CITY — Wetting rains were received in this last round of precipitation excluding three corners of state – far western Panhandle, Harmon County and McCurtain County. Recurrent precipitation is required to move areas of western Oklahoma further into green up, however improving live fuel moisture is helping to reduce fire danger to some extent.
Thursday – Cool temperatures including some areas of frost and excellent overnight moisture recovery will stall the development of fire danger. Temperatures will gradually warm to around 70° across the state, but increasing clouds will limit relative humidity from falling into levels of concern. A cold front passing this afternoon will result in light south winds shifting clockwise to northerly with a pronounced increase in wind speeds in the Panhandle and northwest Oklahoma. There is a chance for some precipitation to accompany the frontal passage; however any amounts will likely be minimal. The frontal boundary will shift east during the overnight hours driving low chances of precipitation with it across the state.
Friday – Dry conditions are expected on Friday with relative humidity values as low as 20% in far western Oklahoma to 35% along the Arkansas border as temperatures again warm into the low-70°’s. Light north winds and improved fuel moisture values will limit fire spread and allow for the high probability of initial attack success.
Weekend – Dry conditions are expected over the weekend with temperatures approaching 80° on Saturday and eclipsing that mark on Sunday. South winds will increase on Sunday with potential for gusts nearing 35 mph. Afternoon relative humidity values will hold above critical values, but erratic fire behavior cannot be ruled out on any fire that escapes initial response.
For the full Fire Situation report for April 26, 2018, please go to: http://www.forestry.ok.gov/Websites/forestry/images/Fire%20Situation%20Reports/Fire%20Situation%20Report%2004-26-18.pdf
- For updates, please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OklahomaForestry/ and Twitter @OKForestService
- For statewide questions regarding the wildfires in terms of area and acres burned: Suzanne McCombs, Communications & Outreach Manager, at Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry – Forestry Services office, (405) 586-0404.
Oklahoma Forestry Services is the state’s lead agency related to wildland fire prevention, protection and use. For additional information about wildfires, visit www.forestry.ok.gov/wildfire-information .
–Oklahoma Forestry Services
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