Crime & Safety
Mid-South Fire Danger Today: Critical Hours From Noon to 7 PM Oct 22
Memphis, TN — Residents across the Mid South are being urged to avoid outdoor burning Thursday as dangerously dry vegetation and low humidity create conditions favorable for grass fires across portion
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-22T08:13:42.242Z
Memphis, TN — Residents across the Mid South are being urged to avoid outdoor burning Thursday as dangerously dry vegetation and low humidity create conditions favorable for grass fires across portions of Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. The greatest concern is expected between noon and 7 p.m. Thursday, with elevated fire danger continuing into next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a Fire Danger Statement highlights the potential for grass fires to ignite and spread Thursday afternoon. Communities including Memphis, Jackson, Dyersburg, Jonesboro, Oxford, Tupelo and surrounding areas are within the affected region.
Relative humidity is expected to fall sharply Thursday, reaching just 21% in Batesville and Oxford, Mississippi, 22% in Tupelo and Tunica, and 25% in Memphis and Jonesboro, Arkansas. These low humidity levels, combined with dry vegetation and limited recent rainfall, increase the potential for fires to start.
Forecasters expect winds to generally remain below 10 mph, which should help limit rapid fire growth. However, officials caution that even relatively light winds do not eliminate the risk of grass fires.
The elevated fire danger is expected to persist through the weekend and into early next week. Afternoon temperatures will generally reach the 70s and lower 80s, while overnight lows remain in the 40s and lower 50s.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning, keep vehicles away from dry grass and properly extinguish cigarettes. The National Weather Service also advises following all local burn bans and avoiding activities that produce sparks or open flames.
With little rainfall expected through at least early next week, dry conditions could remain a concern across the region for several more days.
Residents can monitor updated forecasts and fire weather information at weather.gov/memphis.