Huntsville, AL – Fires can ignite and spread within minutes across North Alabama today as critically dry air and steady winds peak during the midday hours, raising immediate concerns for outdoor burning and roadside sparks.
According to the National Weather Service in Huntsville, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday for all of North Alabama, including Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Marshall, Jackson, DeKalb, Winston and Cullman counties. Relative humidity is expected to drop as low as 29 percent while south winds hold between 5 and 10 mph.
Communities from Huntsville and Decatur to Florence and Scottsboro face heightened wildfire risk, especially near open fields, wooded areas and along highways like I-65 and U.S. 72 where a single spark can spread quickly. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid any outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and properly dispose of cigarettes.
Even routine yard work using equipment that produces sparks could trigger a fast-moving grass fire under these conditions. Power infrastructure and rural properties are particularly vulnerable.
Conditions begin to improve after sunset, but officials warn that any fires that start before 7 p.m. could continue to spread. Additional advisories may be issued if dry conditions persist into early next week.
