Tampa, FL – Fire danger will be critically high across much of Southwest and Central Florida today as low humidity and gusty north winds combine to create Red Flag Warning conditions, according to the National Weather Service offices in Tampa Bay, Melbourne, and Miami.
The warnings cover a wide stretch of the state — including Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, DeSoto, Highlands, Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry, Collier, and Mainland Monroe counties — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Forecasters say north to northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts near 25 mph and humidity levels as low as 26% will make it easier for wildfires to ignite and spread quickly. Even small brush fires could grow out of control under these conditions.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and delay any activities involving open flames or sparks. The NWS warns that “any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly.”
Officials recommend having emergency plans ready, as fire crews may respond rapidly to new starts across parched vegetation zones following several days of dry air.
For ongoing fire weather updates and safety guidance, visit weather.gov or your local fire department’s alerts page.
