Florida’s Big Bend is under a serious fire weather threat as winds pick up and humidity drops late this morning. Smoke from even a small spark could spread fast across dry grass and pine stands.
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. for Tallahassee and surrounding counties . The alert covers much of the eastern Florida Panhandle and nearby southwest Georgia. Forecasters warn that northeast winds will reach 15 to 20 mph, with gusts between 25 and 30 mph. Relative humidity could fall as low as 18 percent this afternoon.
Any fire that starts may spread rapidly.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, these conditions create critical fire weather across Leon County, including areas near I-10 and U.S. 27. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Even equipment sparks or discarded cigarettes could ignite dry brush.
Current temperatures sit in the mid-60s under overcast skies at Tallahassee International Airport. Highs climb to about 75 degrees today, with winds strengthening by afternoon. Tonight turns partly cloudy with a low near 55.
Sunday stays dry and mild with a high near 77. Monday warms to around 80 degrees with only a slight chance of showers. By Tuesday, rain and thunderstorm chances increase to 20 percent after 2 p.m., climbing higher midweek as highs reach the low 80s. That moisture may ease fire concerns but introduce lightning risks.
Avoid yard debris burning today. Secure trailer chains and delay any activity that could create sparks.
Warmer-than-normal temperatures are expected into early April, reinforcing an early spring pattern across North Florida.
Have you noticed smoky conditions or controlled burns near your neighborhood today?
Five-Day Outlook for Tallahassee, FL:
Sunday: Partly sunny, high 77.
Monday: Slight shower chance, high 80.
Tuesday: Slight chance of storms, high 81.
Wednesday: 30% storm chance, high 82.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 84.
