Greenville, SC – A Red Flag Warning is in effect through 9 p.m. Tuesday across parts of South Carolina and Georgia, as dry air, gusty winds, and low humidity increase wildfire risks across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg and Peachtree City, sustained winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are expected throughout the afternoon. Humidity levels will drop to between 20% and 25%, with already parched fuel moisture levels under 10% in many areas.
The warning covers counties throughout the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia, including Cherokee, Spartanburg, Anderson, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, and portions of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Officials say any fire that develops could spread rapidly and unpredictably.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents are urged to consult local burn permit authorities before lighting any open flames. The fire risk is particularly high in mountain and foothill regions, where wind shifts and elevation changes can intensify fire behavior.
Conditions are expected to improve later this evening as winds diminish and humidity levels begin to rise slightly behind a passing cold front. Caution is advised until the warning expires.
