Dry air increases fire threat in SE

Low humidity and breezy winds will up the fire risk across the Southeast today.

Parts of the Southeast will face a higher risk of fire danger today as a dry air mass remains in place and winds pick up. There are two areas to watch: the Florida Panhandle into parts of Alabama and Georgia, as well as northern Georgia into Virginia.

The WindRadar shows gusts of 20-30 mph across southeast Alabama, south Georgia and the Florida Panhandle this afternoon. Those who live in cities such as Dothan, Ala., Valdosta, Ga., and Jacksonville, Fla., should avoid burning.

Further north, from northern Georgia to Virginia, a dry frontal passage will create downslope winds, combined with low humidity, that will enhance the fire risk. This fire risk includes Atlanta, Columbia, S.C., Charlotte, N.C., and Richmond, Va.

With drought impacting 98.6% of the Southeast, it's important to be aware of fire danger this spring and summer.