Weather
Mid-South Fire Danger Elevated This Week Across 4 States
Memphis, TN – Elevated fire danger is expected across portions of Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas and Missouri this week as dry vegetation and low humidity create conditions favorable for fires to ig
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-18T21:01:42.985Z
Memphis, TN – Elevated fire danger is expected across portions of Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas and Missouri this week as dry vegetation and low humidity create conditions favorable for fires to ignite, prompting officials to discourage outdoor burning and activities involving open flames.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, dry fuels and low relative humidity will increase fire weather concerns from Monday, October 19, through Friday, October 23, across much of the Mid South.
Humidity Could Fall Into the 20% Range The forecast shows particularly dry conditions developing Monday, with minimum relative humidity expected to reach 22% in Covington, Tennessee, 23% in Dyersburg, Tennessee, and 26% in Memphis.
Across northern Mississippi, humidity could drop to 23% in Tunica, 25% in Oxford and 26% in Clarksdale.
Eastern Arkansas communities, including Forrest City and Jonesboro, could experience minimum humidity readings of 25% and 28%, respectively.
Kennett, Missouri, is forecast to reach 29% Monday.
Low humidity allows vegetation and other combustible materials to dry out, increasing the potential for fires to start and spread.
Fire Concerns Continue Through Friday Dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the workweek, with several communities experiencing afternoon humidity levels in the 20% to 30% range.
Oxford, Mississippi, could see minimum humidity remain between 25% and 28% throughout the five day period.
However, the National Weather Service expects winds to generally remain below 10 mph, which could help limit rapid fire growth.
Residents Urged to Avoid Outdoor Burning Forecasters are discouraging outdoor burning and activities involving sparks or open flames.
Residents should obey local burn bans, properly dispose of cigarettes and matches, and avoid activities that could accidentally ignite dry vegetation.
Although winds are expected to remain relatively light, fires can still develop under dry conditions.
The National Weather Service recommends continued caution throughout the week as elevated fire weather concerns persist across the region.