March is normally the wettest month of the year across southwestern Connecticut. In fact, over four inches (4.15") of precipitation can normally be expected this month on average. Thus far, we've measured nearly three-and-a-half inches (3.45") of liquid through the first four weeks of March. However, 12 of the last 16 days have been dry, and that's one of the reasons why a Red Flag Warning has been posted from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
A Red Flag Warning alerts area firefighters and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fire ignition. The warning becomes a critical statement for firefighting agencies, which often alter their staffing and equipment resources dramatically to accommodate the forecast risk. To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours.
In addition to the dry ground, a North wind will continue to gust over 20 to 25 miles an hour through this afternoon, along with extremely low humidity levels. Dew points are only in the single digits, while the relative humidity is holding close to 40 percent. These ingredients could result in the rapid spread of a brush fire if one were to start. Also, air temperatures will continue to run about 10 degrees below normal.
You can do your part to help prevent fires during extremely dry conditions. Obviously, always put out cigarettes properly and don't jusy discard them on the ground. That's the easiest way for a fire to start. Keep firewood away from your home, clean up weeds and grass clippings, and pick up any extra trash and debris which may be in your yard. Remember, it only takes a carelessly disposed cigarette to ignite a wild fire, and it could spread rapidly with the dry and windy conditions.
Today will be mostly sunny, breezy, and chilly with a high in the low-to-mid 40s. Tonight will be mostly clear and cold with lows in the 20s. Tomorrow will feature a mix of sun and clouds with a high in the mid 40s. The next storm arrives Friday with wet snow changing to rain with daytime highs in the lower 40s. Clearing skies are expected for the weekend with the mercury touching 50 degrees by then.
Paul
