Red flag warning issued for northern Arizona as dry, windy conditions persist
Fire weather will remain in northern Arizona as dry and warm conditions are expected to continue through next week, according to the National Weather Service.
A red flag warning was issued for much of northern Arizona— including the Flagstaff area, Grand Canyon, Winslow, Holbrook, among others — and will be in effect Thursday until 7 p.m.
Strong winds, low RH, and dry fuels will lead to dangerous fire weather conditions over much of Northern Arizona today. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11am to 7pm. #azwx pic.twitter.com/ve6OV6E55u
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) April 28, 2022
The warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or about to occur, and they can cause extreme fire behavior, according to the weather service.
"The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them," a forecast on the weather service website stated.
Warmer than normal temperatures are expected to continue this week. Winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are expected, according to the forecast. Humidity will be as low as 7%-10% and there is no chance of precipitation.
"Be fire wise today and use extreme caution to not create sparks," the weather service stated in the forecast.
Elevated fire conditions expected in Phoenix, Tucson
The weather service said Phoenix should expect hot weather and sunny skies in the following days. Elevated fire weather conditions are expected Thursday with some areas having gusts up to 30 mph.
South-Central Arizona, including Phoenix: A series of disturbances through early next week will bring breezy winds and elevated fire weather conditions. Temperatures will be above normal most days. No rain expected in the next 7 days. #azwx pic.twitter.com/KE1uvQ7oVR
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) April 28, 2022
Temperatures will be around 90 degrees Thursday and Friday and will stay in the low 90s over the weekend.
Sunday and Monday will see breezy weather, according to the weather service. No rain is in the forecast for next week.
In Tucson, breezy conditions are expected Thursday and Sunday, and high temperatures will remain above normal through next week. Winds between 15 and 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are expected.
Gusty Thursday!
Dry and windy conditions for SE AZ which will provide ELEVATED FIRE WX concerns. Blowing dust is possible along I-10 near Wilcox. #azwx pic.twitter.com/Wz2sBHVuwa— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) April 27, 2022
"The wind should be strong enough for brief and localized fire weather conditions from central Pima County eastward," the NWS forecast states.
On Friday, less wind is predicted in the area.
High pollution watch in the Phoenix area
A high pollution watch for ozone in the Phoenix area will be in effect Friday, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality announced.
Ozone is a colorless and odorless gas that can be harmful to people if it is at the ground level and not in the stratosphere working as a shield for ultraviolet rays, according to a fact sheet from ADEQ.
To reduce exposure to this gas, the ADEQ suggests choosing less-strenuous activity, taking more breaks outside or rescheduling activities for another day. People can also move activities inside where ozone levels tend to be lower.
Reach breaking news reporter Angela Cordoba Perez at Angela.CordobaPerez@Gannett.com or on Twitter @AngelaCordobaP.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Red flag warning issued for northern Arizona, fire conditions expected
