Current Weather Conditions
Now that a cold front has pushed through, South Florida’s attention turns to a red flag warning in play on Monday.
The red flag warning is in effect from noon until 8 p.m. in Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach counties.
See all severe weather alerts here.
What is a Red Flag Warning?
When gusty winds and low humidity are expected, like on Monday, a red flag warning may be issued. This basically means our fire danger is high, with an increased probability of a fire quickly spreading out of control.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) explains that a "red flag warning is issued based on the most hazardous weather associated with the largest 10 percent of fires."
After the cold front passes this morning, a significantly drier air mass with filter in (dew points falling into the 30s and 40s plus RH values below 30%) and with wind gusts of 20-30 mph, this will bring an increased fire risk. Therefore, burning is not advised. #flwx pic.twitter.com/4jEWxIQPpJ— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) March 17, 2025
Why is South Florida Under a Red Flag Warning?
Relative humidity is forecast to dip as low as 25 percent with wind gusts up to 25 mph or greater.
In Peninsular Florida, these are the conditions that all have to be in place to trigger a red flag warning, according to the FDACS:
- relative humidity below 35 percent
- wind speed of greater than 15 mph
- Energy Release Component (Fuel Model G) of 27 or higher
What to Do and Not Do Under a Red Flag Warning
The National Weather Service recommends no controlled burns or campfires under these conditions.
Additionally, be mindful of throwing cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle, as they may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
Future Forecast
Winds are forecast to weaken Monday night and Tuesday.
The region will likely see widespread mid-50s, roughly 10 degrees below average for this time of the year.
Temperatures should snap back quickly by Tuesday afternoon and return to normal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a red flag warning has been issued for South Florida due to the high risk of wildfires caused by gusty winds and low humidity. It is essential for residents to take precautions and follow the guidelines set by the National Weather Service to prevent any potential fires.
FAQs
- What is a red flag warning?
A red flag warning is issued when gusty winds and low humidity are expected, indicating a high fire danger. - What should I do during a red flag warning?
You should avoid controlled burns, campfires, and throwing cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. - How long will the red flag warning be in effect?
The red flag warning is in effect from noon until 8 p.m. in Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties. - What can I expect from the future forecast?
Winds are expected to weaken Monday night and Tuesday, with temperatures returning to normal by Tuesday afternoon.
