NOAA WARNS WILDFIRE THREAT WON'T SOON BE EXTINGUISHED Jan. 3, 2006 � The southern Plains will remain at risk of wildfires through the first week of the New Year as NOAA predicts mild temperatures, low humidity and strong winds in combination with drought-stricken land. (Click NOAA image for larger view of U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook through March 2006. Click here for latest outlook. Please credit “NOAA.”) "Tuesday is a potentially very dangerous situation with near record highs, extremely low humidity and very strong winds with gusts over 40 mph. Slightly cooler temperatures with dry northwesterly winds are expected Wednesday through Friday. It also appears the fire threat will increase significantly again this weekend," said Phillip Bothwell, fire weather expert for the NOAA Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla. "People in the southern Plains must be mindful of the dry conditions by ensuring cigarettes are properly extinguished and honoring local burn bans. We are dealing with extreme conditions that endanger both life and property." Factors fueling these winter fires include:
Residents of the southern Plains are urged to stay up-to-date on this elevated fire weather situation through forecasts and special statements from NOAA National Weather Service forecast offices and the two-day fire outlooks from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. NOAA, an
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and marine resources. Relevant Web Sites NOAA Storm Prediction Center Fire Weather Forecasts NOAA Climate Prediction Center NOAA Fire Weather Information Center NOAA Drought Information Center Media
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