WASHINGTON COUNTY – The National Weather Service has issued separate “Red Flag Warnings” for areas encompassing Southwestern Utah including St. George, Southern Nevada including Mesquite and Las Vegas, as well as Northwestern Arizona. These critical fire weather conditions are in effect from Monday afternoon into Monday night.
Affected areas
- Much of Washington County – Fire Weather Zone 497 – Mojave Desert (see map insert).
- Most of southern Nevada, and northwestern Arizona including Lake Mead National Recreation Area, northwest desert and plateaus, the Colorado River Valley, Lincoln County and Clark County (see map insert below)
- Most of the Kaibab National Forest including the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts
Time frames
- Washington County: Noon-10 p.m. Monday
- Southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona: Noon-9 p.m. Monday
- Kaibab National Forest: 2-8 p.m. Monday
Winds
- Washington County: South 20-30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph will continue into this evening and relax by 10 p.m.
- Southern Nevada and northwest Arizona: Southwest winds 20-30 mph with gusts 30-40 mph
- Kaibab National Forest: Southwest winds 20-30 mph with gusts 30-40 mph
Relative humidity
- Washington County: As low as 6 to 8 percent this afternoon and evening.
- Southern Nevada and northwest Arizona: Relative humidities will drop below 10 percent.
- Kaibab National Forest: Below 10 percent
Impacts
The combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels will create conditions that are favorable for extreme fire behavior.
Precautionary, preparedness actions
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
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