Fire Weather Outlook Discussion
Issued by NWS
Issued by NWS
114 FNUS21 KWNS 160746 FWDDY1 Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0145 AM CST Sun Nov 16 2025 Valid 161200Z - 171200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR CENTRAL VIRGINIA... ...Synopsis... Critical fire weather conditions are expected this afternoon for portions of central Virginia with more widespread elevated fire weather conditions likely for much of the Mid-Atlantic region as northwesterly winds increase within a post-frontal regime. Elsewhere, dry and breezy conditions are expected across the Midwest as an unseasonably dry air mass moves into the region. ...Mid-Atlantic... 07 UTC surface observations show a cold front pushing east across the upper OH Valley into the Mid-Atlantic region. Although light rain may occur prior to sunrise, most locations are not expected to receive appreciable rainfall, which will maintain very dry fuel conditions. Northwesterly winds are expected to increase behind the frontal passage through mid-afternoon with most guidance suggesting winds will peak between 15-20 mph across much of the region. Dry air advecting into the region will promote RH reductions into the 20-35% range from the Carolinas into the Chesapeake Bay area. A 700-500 mb speed max is forecast to traverse the northern Blue Ridge Mountains into central VA around peak heating. This will not only regionally augment winds (which may gust upwards of 35-40 mph), but will enhance downslope drying and promote a corridor of critical fire weather conditions. ...Midwest... Early-morning surface observations show dry air pushing southeastward from the upper MS Valley into the Midwest region. Dewpoints in the teens to low 20s are expected to spread into eastern IL and IN through peak heating, which will promote RH reductions into the 20-30% range, and possibly as low as 15% for some locations. Building surface high pressure will largely limit wind speeds and negate a more substantial fire weather threat. However, light fire activity has been noted in recent days owing to ongoing drought conditions, so localized fire concerns appear possible where winds can increase to around 10-15 mph. ..Moore.. 11/16/2025 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... $$