Atlanta, GA – Large sections of the Deep South, including western, central, southwest, and south-central Georgia down to the Georgia–Florida line, are under High Fire Danger today due to extremely dry air and critically low relative humidity, according to the National Weather Service offices in Peachtree City and Tallahassee.
NWS Peachtree City reports that much of western and central Georgia—including Atlanta, Carrollton, Newnan, Covington, Fayetteville, Macon, Columbus, and surrounding communities—will see relative humidity drop to 25% or lower for four or more hours this afternoon into the evening. Winds will remain light, generally 5–10 mph, but fuels are dry enough to support rapid fire spread if any ignition occurs.
Farther south, NWS Tallahassee highlights a similarly elevated to high fire danger across southwest and south-central Georgia, including communities from Albany, Moultrie, Bainbridge, Thomasville, Valdosta, Quitman, and Tifton. Relative humidity values may fall as low as 19–24% in isolated locations, increasing the potential for fire starts, especially where fine fuels remain dry.
Both NWS offices urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, check local burn restrictions, and exercise extreme caution with any activity that could produce sparks—such as grilling, welding, campfires, or towing chains that can drag on pavement. Even briefly unattended fires may spread quickly under today’s dry conditions.
Authorities warn that fires may start easily and grow rapidly due to a combination of dry vegetation, low humidity, and warm afternoon temperatures. The greatest window of concern extends from late morning through sunset.
Residents across Georgia—from the northwest counties near Tennessee, through the Atlanta metro, and down into the Florida-border counties—should remain alert for updated fire weather information.
