Indianapolis, IN – Residents across central Indiana are being urged to use caution with outdoor burning as dry conditions and low humidity levels create an elevated fire risk through the end of the week.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Indianapolis, afternoon relative humidity values are forecast to dip as low as 25–30% through Friday, September 19. Combined with summer-like highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s and a lack of rainfall, these conditions are fueling concerns for fire spread.
The NWS highlighted several affected areas including Bloomington, Terre Haute, Muncie, Kokomo, and Indianapolis, where minimum humidity forecasts range from the upper 20s to low 30s percent. Vincennes is expected to see the driest conditions, with relative humidity dropping to 23% by Thursday.
Officials warn that even routine outdoor burning, such as campfires, brush disposal, or use of equipment that produces sparks, could quickly become hazardous under these conditions. No rainfall is expected across the region until at least Saturday, meaning the fire risk will remain elevated through the workweek.
The NWS urges residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor burning, monitor local advisories, and report any fire activity immediately.
