Thursday, April 20, 2023

Schuylkill County Under Elevated Risk of Wildfire on Thursday

The National Weather Service has issued an alert that conditions will promote an elevated risk of wildfire on Thursday.


The National Weather Service reports:

A combination of dry and breezy conditions this afternoon will create an elevated risk of wildfire spread across all of Central Pennsylvania.

Minimum relative humidity values this afternoon will range from 20 to 30 percent. Wind gusts should be generally 15 mph or less today, which would limit the potential for rapid spread of any wildfires that develop on flatter terrain.

The greatest threat for more rapid spread today will be on the steeper, south-facing slopes of the ridges. These locations will experience the greatest warming and drying of fuels and leaf litter from the most direct sunshine and exposure to the southerly breeze.

Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches. If dry grasses and tree litter begin to burn, the fire will have the potential to spread rapidly.

The threat for more rapid wildfire spread appears to increase on Friday as the south to southwest breeze freshens by 5 to 10 mph.