After hundreds of wildfires scorched Oklahoma on Friday, forecasters sound the alarm of more to come.

With communities still reeling from Friday's outbreak of wildfires, meteorologists warn Oklahoma residents that the worst could happen again.

Nearly 100 wildfires scorched thousands of acreage in several parts of the state Friday, a product of fire-spreading weather that saw hotter temperatures, higher winds and drier air.

Emergency management officials reported more than 30 homes and 3,000 acres were burned in Logan County, while six homes and 325 acres were burned in a northeast Oklahoma City blaze. Seven homes and at least 4,250 acres also were destroyed in Washington County's Bartlesville.

No deaths were reported in the Friday fires, but at least 32 people were injured statewide. Various relief organizations and emergency management agencies have responded to counties affected by the fires.

Now, meteorologists and fire officials are sounding the alarm about conditions for wildfire weather spiking again through Tuesday, with the potential to ravage even more homes and properties.

"Tuesday will again present extreme fire danger comparable to what developed last Friday, although the core of the aligned fire environment inputs will be shifted a bit westward," the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Foresty said in a fire situation report. "We have introduced an enhanced significant fire potential and wildfire outbreak probability."

How bad could fire weather turn Tuesday?

Forecasters said fire-spreading weather in Oklahoma could hit "extreme" levels Tuesday, with southwest winds reaching averages of 30 mph and gusts up to 60 mph.

"You're looking at temperatures even up into the upper 80s, so definitely warmer than average," said John Pike, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Norman. "There's very dry air that's expected to push through, too, so we're looking at very low humidity. It's really going to be a combination of the winds, the warmer-than-average temperatures, the low relative humidity, and also the very dry vegetation out there that will burn easily."

The worst conditions, Pike said, are expected west of Interstate 35, with gusty winds that could knock down tree limbs and cause power outages ― and bring with them the heightened opportunities for fires to spark.

"Fire suppression difficulty will be very challenging," a report from forestry officials warned Monday. "Firefighters should expect a noticeable increase in fire occurrence and large fire development. Significant fire occurrence (>5,000 acres) potential is increasing."

More: Oklahomans could see more fires Tuesday, weather forecaster says

What caused the wildfire outbreak Friday?

Damage assessments in various areas affected by the Friday fires were still ongoing Monday, but officials said heavy winds combined with downed power lines and cedar trees likely contributed to their severity.

"Our dry climate along with the strong winds that came through caused fires to spread at a rapid rate throughout the area," the Bartlesville Professional Firefighters Local 200 wrote in a statement on social media. "Crews worked fires at Gap Road, East Mountain Road and Dewey. The terrain was very dry, dense and rugged; this coupled with the high winds made fire suppression extremely challenging and dangerous."

Oklahoma City fire crews reported similar issues as they fought the Hefner fire.

"With the heavy fire spreading through the area the visibility was low and made driving on the roads difficult," Douglas said. "Accessing the fire was difficult due to the heavily wooded area and this gave the fire more time to spread."

Ahead of fire weather risk Tuesday, fire officials advised residents to not park their vehicles on grass, as sparks from hot exhaust have been known to cause fires before.

Other ways to prevent wildfires include:

• Avoid the use of welding equipment.

• Do not operate an open flame outdoors during local and state "burn ban" orders.

• Do not drive on a flat tire.

• Do not drag chains behind a vehicle that's being driven.

• Never throw lit cigarettes out of a car window.

After years of drought conditions, will our chances of increased wildfire worsen going forward?

Since 2021, Oklahoma has experienced severe drought conditions, particularly in western parts of the state, which have caused the number of wildfires to explode throughout the region.

El Nina, the climatological phenomenon that has driven these drought conditions for the central United States, ended in early March, but lingering effects are expected to persist through late spring.

More: Climate change exposes growing gap between weather we've planned for – and what's coming

By summer, Pike said vegetation will no longer be dormant, and winds should decrease, allowing for critical elements of fire weather to lessen, but the hot summer climate will still pose a serious concern.

"It's just that time of year," Pike said. "But by (this) Wednesday, we expect a cold front to come through, and that'll just push everything out of the area. It'll be fairly quiet again for a while, although we do have maybe an elevated fire risk out west behind the cold front. Other than that, we're dry, and we may start seeing some rain again this weekend."

Fire officials were ready to respond Friday, and they're prepared to do it again

Capt. Scott Douglas said the Oklahoma City Fire Department prepared for Friday's fires by ensuring extra personnel and resources were available for deployment, with 15 of its 16 frontline "brush pumper" trucks staffed with at least two firefighters and three additional trucks staffed on reserve. If needed, a similar deployment strategy will be implemented Tuesday.

"On high fire danger days, a Task Force is developed to respond to every grass fire," Douglas said. "On a normal day, a grass fire response will typically have one brush pumper and one engine respond. On a high fire danger day, a Task Force response will get three brush pumpers, one tanker, and one engine committed to the scene immediately."

Fire crews also will coordinate with the Oklahoma City Police Department for aerial support with water buckets if additional need arises.

In the wake of Friday's fire outbreak, Oklahoma's Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security coordinated with numerous agencies and organizations for a multi-faceted response to the disaster, including:

• Oklahoma Forestry Services

• Oklahoma Highway Patrol

• Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

• Oklahoma State Department of Health

• Oklahoma Department of Transportation

• Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security

• Oklahoma National Guard

• Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality

• The National Weather Service

• The American Red Cross

• The Salvation Army

• Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

More: Tuesday may see repeat of Friday's wildfire outbreak, officials warn

"We activated the State Emergency Operations Center Friday, and we are still activated at this time," said Keli Cain, public affairs director for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "There are still activities ongoing with the fires from Friday, including damage assessments and other types of activities. We're still activated right now and will remain activated through (Tuesday)."

Cain said multiple task force members remained at the site of the Friday fires in Logan and Washington counties, working to extinguish hot spots and monitoring conditions in both areas. The various agencies and organizations were expected to respond again Tuesday to coordinate personnel and resources.

What can homeowners do to prepare?

Experts with forestry services and fire prevention have released guidelines on wildfire preparedness, in hopes of helping homeowners ready themselves and reduce loss.

Removing "fuel sources," from the area around the home, known as the "home ignition zone," is a crucial preventative measure, according to Lorraine Carli with the National Fire Protection Association. It can make homes safer from embers and heat radiating from wildfires.

Related: 'Red flag' warnings of fire weather issued early April for OKC metro, western Oklahoma

Other tips include:

• Clearing dead leaves and debris from roofs and gutters.

• Hydrating and maintaining lawns at a height of no more than four inches, although it is strongly recommended that residents not mow during heightened fire weather risk.

• Removing anything flammable stored on or underneath decks and porches, such as cushions, door mats, and portable propane tanks.

• Keeping fireplace wood piles at least 30 feet away from buildings.

• Plan two ways out of the neighborhood and a designated meeting place ahead of a wildfire threat.

• Including pets and horses in evacuation plans.

Fire officials said people should be prepared to evacuate immediately if the situation calls for it. Residents are encouraged to stay on the lookout for alerts from local officials and to remain vigilant of updates on fire weather conditions from the local forecast office.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahomans likely to see more fire weather Tuesday, forecasters say