Stayman (Wildfire)

3 years ago
The Stayman Flats Fire was first reported on July 18 at approximately 2:35 p.m. The fire is burning in grass and brush in difficult terrain. High resources were ordered and multiple crews and aircraft

Eastern North Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook

3 years ago

000
ABPZ20 KNHC 221746
TWOEP

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
1100 AM PDT Fri Jul 22 2022

For the eastern North Pacific...east of 140 degrees west longitude:

Offshore of Southern Mexico:
Showers and thunderstorms remain disorganized in association with a
surface trough centered several hundred miles south-southwest of
Acapulco, Mexico. Development, if any, of this system is expected
to be slow to occur as the trough moves slowly westward or west-
northwestward at 5 to 10 mph through early next week.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...10 percent.

Offshore of Central America and Southern Mexico:
An area of low pressure is forecast to form late this weekend
several hundred miles south of extreme southeastern Mexico.
Gradual development of this system is possible thereafter through
midweek while the system moves generally westward at 10 to 15 mph.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...30 percent.

$$
Forecaster Blake
NHC Webmaster

SPC Jul 22, 2022 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

3 years ago
SPC 1730Z Day 2 Outlook
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1230 PM CDT Fri Jul 22 2022 Valid 231200Z - 241200Z ...THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF SOUTHERN MINNESOTA...CENTRAL/SOUTHERN WISCONSIN AND NORTHERN IOWA... ...SUMMARY... Severe thunderstorms are expected Saturday across parts of the Upper Midwest. A few tornadoes, significant damaging winds, and large to very large hail will accompany these storms. ...Upper Midwest Vicinity... A compact but strong midlevel shortwave trough will develop eastward across the Upper MS Valley and Great Lakes on Saturday. An associated band of enhanced westerly mid/upper level flow will overspread the region as a surface low migrates from SD toward the lower MO Valley. A cold front will shift east across the Dakotas/NE during the afternoon, while a warm front lifts northward across southern MN into central WI. Morning showers and cloud cover may limit northward progression of the front, and some minor trimming of higher severe probabilities across northern WI reflects this trend with the Day 2 update. Ahead of the cold front and south of the warm front, surface dewpoints in the upper 60s to low 70s are forecast beneath steep midlevel lapse rates, fostering a corridor of moderate to strong instability. As large-scale ascent increases by midday, ongoing thunderstorms across west-central MN will increase in intensity and coverage. Effective shear magnitudes greater than 45 kt will favor initial supercells capable of very large hail and damaging gusts. Forecast soundings depict favorably curved low-level hodographs with a deep inflow layer and moderate to strong low-level shear. A couple of tornadoes will be possible with any supercell that can maintain discrete storm mode as convection shifts eastward. A southwesterly low-level jet is expected to increase by late afternoon into the evening. This will foster upscale developing into a bowing MCS across southeast MN/northern IA and central/southern WI. The MCS should develop east/southeast along the strong instability gradient draped across the region. A risk for damaging gusts, some greater than 65 kt, will increase as this occurs and a swatch of wind damage is expected across the Enhanced (level 3 of 5) risk area. Additionally, low-level shear will remain favorable for mesovortex formation along the leading edge of the east/southeastward-advancing convection and a few tornadoes will remain possible into northern IA and across central/southern WI. ...Nebraska into western IA... Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of the surface cold front in a deeply mixed and strongly unstable airmass. Very steep low-level lapse rates and modest vertical shear will support strong to locally damaging gust potential and perhaps a few instances of hail. ...OH...IN...Northern KY... Strong storms may be ongoing Saturday morning, producing gusty winds and small hail. An outflow boundary associated with this weakening activity may become a focus for redevelopment during the afternoon amid a moist and unstable airmass across parts of IN into southwest OH/northern KY. These storms could produce gusty winds and marginally severe hail during the afternoon before diminishing by evening. ..Leitman.. 07/22/2022 Read more

SPC MD 1548

3 years ago
MD 1548 CONCERNING SEVERE POTENTIAL...WATCH UNLIKELY FOR EASTERN OHIO TO SOUTHERN NEW YORK
Mesoscale Discussion 1548 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1150 AM CDT Fri Jul 22 2022 Areas affected...Eastern Ohio to southern New York Concerning...Severe potential...Watch unlikely Valid 221650Z - 221845Z Probability of Watch Issuance...20 percent SUMMARY...Thunderstorm development is expected in the coming hours, and a few storms may intensify enough to pose a damaging wind risk. This potential is expected to remain isolated, and a watch is not anticipated. DISCUSSION...Latest GOES visible imagery continues to show building cumulus across eastern OH to southern NY ahead of a broad surface trough that is approaching from the west. Low-level water vapor imagery reveals a few deeper towers developing in the vicinity of a decaying MCV over southern NY/northern PA as well as across eastern OH. A recent ACARs sounding from Buffalo, NY revealed minimal inhibition, which supports trends noted in recent RAP mesoanalyses. These trends, combined with the noted signatures in low-level water vapor imagery, suggest that convective initiation appears likely in the next 1-2 hours. Additional convection is expected to develop through the early and mid afternoon hours. As thunderstorms mature, 30-40 knot mid-level flow may support a few organized cells and/or clusters. Poor mid-level lapse rates will hinder the potential for severe hail, but steepening boundary-layer lapse rates will support a damaging wind potential for the afternoon. Thunderstorm coverage will likely remain isolated to widely scattered given the modest forcing for ascent, which appears at this time to mitigate the need for a watch. ..Moore/Goss.. 07/22/2022 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product... ATTN...WFO...ALY...PHI...BGM...BUF...CTP...PBZ...CLE... LAT...LON 40958196 41778017 42667768 42887654 42817534 42527463 41797452 41147524 40387711 40117965 40008095 40028161 40288204 40958196 Read more

SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook

3 years ago
SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1129 AM CDT Fri Jul 22 2022 Valid 221700Z - 231200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PARTS OF THE SNAKE RIVER PLAIN... Critical conditions are still expected across portions of the Snake River Plain (see previous forecast below for more details). At least locally Elevated conditions may extend as far east as the northern High Plains this afternoon in tandem with surface low development as a mid-level trough traverses the northern Rockies through the period. The primary factor in withholding fire weather highlights was the lack of a more widespread 15+ mph sustained wind field. Deep-layer ascent accompanying the mid-level trough will also trigger isolated thunderstorms across the central and northern Rockies by afternoon peak heating given the presence of adequate mid-level moisture. Isolated dry thunderstorm highlights have been added where coverage of fast-moving high-based storms is expected to be greatest, and where fuels are receptive to fire spread. In addition, brief but erratic wind gusts may accompany the stronger storms, potentially exacerbating the spread of ongoing fires, or agitating lightning-induced ignitions. Otherwise, locally Elevated conditions are still expected this afternoon across portions of the Great Basin, and within a confined area of southern California (Tejon Pass into the Tehachapi mountains). ..Squitieri.. 07/22/2022 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0202 AM CDT Fri Jul 22 2022/ ...Synopsis... A midlevel shortwave trough and enhanced west-southwesterly flow aloft will track eastward across the Northern Great Basin into the northern Rockies during peak heating, while a secondary shortwave impulse crosses the Sierra late in the period. ...Northern Great Basin into the central/northern Rockies... As the strong/deep west-southwesterly flow overspreads portions of the Northern Great Basin, deep boundary-layer mixing will result in single-digit to lower teens RH amid breezy westerly surface winds. The best overlap of strong winds and low RH is expected along portions of the Snake River Plain -- where 20-25 mph sustained westerly surface winds (with higher gusts) will overspread critically dry fuels. Therefore, Critical highlights have been maintained over this area. Farther west in the lee of the Sierra, dry/breezy conditions will be possible as modest west-southwesterly flow preceding the second midlevel impulse crosses the area. However, these conditions appear too brief/localized for highlights. ...Parts of Southern California... Enhanced onshore flow peripheral to the midlevel trough will result in warming/drying over parts of inland southern California -- where widespread single-digit to lower teens RH is expected. These dry conditions, coupled with breezy/terrain-enhanced surface winds, will support locally enhanced fire-weather conditions along the I-5 corridor. Highlights have been withheld owing to the localized nature of the fire-weather threat. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Jul 22, 2022 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

3 years ago
SPC 1630Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1119 AM CDT Fri Jul 22 2022 Valid 221630Z - 231200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CENTRAL PLAINS TO THE UPPER MIDWEST...NORTHERN PLAINS...UPPER OH RIVER VALLEY...AND NORTHERN UTAH... ...SUMMARY... Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms may occur from parts of the central and northern Plains into the Upper Midwest, separately over parts of northern Utah, and the upper Ohio Valley/north-central Appalachians region. ...Synopsis... Mid-morning water vapor imagery continues to track a stout upper ridge over AZ as well as several shortwave perturbations embedded within a swath of relatively strong zonal flow across the northern tier of the CONUS. Of these, the shortwave troughs translating across the Pacific Northwest and across the upper Midwest/Great Lakes regions are notable and will likely drive severe weather potential for parts of the Northern Plains and upper OH River Valley this afternoon and/or tonight. Other notable surface features (outlined below) will support additional severe weather concerns this afternoon. ...Central Plains into the Midwest... A residual outflow boundary from overnight and early-morning convection is noted across eastern IA with a weak surface trough/warm front draped across NE into eastern CO/western KS. Although gradual clearing is noted in latest visible imagery across parts of eastern NE and IA, weakening convection and showers are stunting daytime heating with temperatures struggling to climb past the mid-70s. A region of dry, subsident air is gradually moving into the region behind the Midwest/Great Lakes shortwave trough, and should aid in continued clearing and gradual destabilization through the day. Thunderstorm potential will likely be greatest this evening as the low-level jet increases in response to the approaching disturbance from the Pacific Northwest, boosting isentropic ascent over the residual boundary/weak warm front in the process. Thunderstorm coverage remains somewhat unclear given spread in latest hi-res guidance, though 30-40 knot northwesterly flow aloft should support some storm organization and the potential for wind/hail. Severe wind potential may be locally maximized across northern IL into northern IN overnight if an organized cluster/line can become established and propagate east along the outflow/warm frontal boundary. However, this potential remains too conditional to warrant higher probabilities at this time. ...Upper OH River Valley/Central Appalachians... Building cumulus is noted across eastern OH into northern PA ahead of an upper level disturbance and weak surface pressure trough approaching from the west. Destabilization will continue through the late morning/early afternoon as temperatures climb into the upper 80s. Although mid-level lapse rates sampled by regional 12 UTC soundings are modest, rich boundary-layer moisture combined with diurnal heating should yield 1000-1500 J/kg MLCAPE by early afternoon with limited inhibition. 30 knot winds in the lowest 3 km (sampled by regional VWPs) coupled with steep low-level lapse rates should support a damaging wind potential across the region as isolated to scattered thunderstorms develop through the afternoon. ...Northern Plains... Surface pressure falls are noted across the northern High Plains this morning as the Pacific Northwest disturbance approaches the northern Rockies. This trend will continue through the day and help consolidate a broad frontal zone draped along the international border. Thunderstorm development remains possible in the vicinity of a developing triple point this evening as the upper low shifts into the Plains. Warm temperatures between 850-700 mb sampled by the 12 UTC BIS and GGW soundings and modest boundary-layer moisture will act as a mitigating factors for storm coverage and intensity despite strong dynamic ascent. However, storms that can mature may become organized given the elongated forecast hodographs, and could support a hail/wind threat. A zone of enhanced ascent appears probable early Saturday morning along the ND/SD border either along the surface cold front, along an outflow boundary from tonight's convection, within a zone of strong isentropic ascent, or a combination of these factors. Regardless, many CAMs show this potential for additional development, which may pose a severe risk prior to sunrise for parts of the lower Red River Valley. ...Northern Utah... The 12 UTC soundings from SLC sampled a dry boundary layer along with adequate mid-level moisture and lapse rates to support around 100 J/kg MUCAPE. Mostly clear skies will support deep boundary-layer mixing and inverted-v profiles favorable for strong to severe downbursts by mid/late afternoon. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected across the region as ascent from the passing Pacific Northwest disturbance glances the region to the north, supporting the severe wind potential. ..Moore/Goss.. 07/22/2022 Read more

Monday Creek Fire (Wildfire)

3 years ago
Fire size is 653 acres and has not seen any growth in several daysGround resources continue to work the fire, mopping up hot spots and securing the fire lineAir resources are standing by to support ground resources at established helibases in the areaExpecting warmer temperatures with a chance of thunderstorms and mild to moderate winds over the next several weeksLocated in Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie Peak unitConverse County, Wyo.Approximately five miles southwest of the Esterbrook communityBulk of fire is located on a rocky, inaccessible ridge between Buzzard Peak and Spring HillAggressive initial response with aerial and ground resources on this full suppression fire contributed to stopping fire growth quicklyDuring initial response on Sat., large air tankers from Jeffco in Colo. delivered 14,512 gallons of retardant on the fire. SEATs provided an additional amount from

SPC Jul 22, 2022 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook

3 years ago
Day 4-8 Outlook
Day 4-8 Convective Outlook RESENT 1 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0808 AM CDT Fri Jul 22 2022 Valid 251200Z - 301200Z ...DISCUSSION... A broad upper cyclone will move east over southern Canada during much of the Day 4-8 time frame as upper-level high pressure extends across the south-central and southeast U.S. A cold front will move east across the northeast U.S. on Monday/Day 4 accompanied by some risk for strong/severe storms. At least low severe probabilities may eventually be warranted as frontal location/timing uncertainties are resolved. As the cold front moves offshore across New England late Monday, the western portion of the front will extend from the mid-Atlantic west across the OH/TN Valley region and central Plains on Tuesday/Day 5 and Wednesday/Day 6. Thunderstorms will be possible in the vicinity of the front each day, however variability regarding the overlap of favorable shear/instability remains too great to delineate daily severe risk areas/probabilities. By Day 7/8, the upper low sharpens over Ontario Province south across the Great Lakes/northeast states, resulting in stronger mid-level flow from the OH/TN Valley region into the northeast. Although daily predictability remains low at this extended range, some severe threat may ultimately exist in these areas in the vicinity of a surface cold front. Read more

Grass, hay hard to come by for livestock in Kansas

3 years ago
Kansas ranchers are struggling to find grass and hay for cattle, which may force early cattle sales. A rancher from Wilmore in Comanche County stated that everyone is selling cattle, but the heat makes it difficult for the stress on the cattle. The assistant manager of Pratt Livestock opined that ranchers may have to sell entire herds if drought conditions do not improve within 30 days. KWCH 12 (Wichita, Kan.), July 20, 2022

Low water allocation for customers of the Carlsbad Irrigation District in New Mexico

3 years ago
The Carlsbad Irrigation District offered 1.7 acre-feet to its customers this year as the snowpack was low. The district's customers are mostly farmers and ranchers in southern Eddy County. Customers received as much water this year as in 2021, which was the lowest since 2012's meager allotment of 0.08 acre-feet. Current (Carlsbad, N.M.), July 21, 2022

Eastern North Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook

3 years ago

000
ABPZ20 KNHC 211736
TWOEP

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
1100 AM PDT Thu Jul 21 2022

For the eastern North Pacific...east of 140 degrees west longitude:

Active Systems:
The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on recently
downgraded Tropical Depression Estelle, located well to the west of
the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula.

Offshore of Southern Mexico:
A large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms located
several hundred miles offshore of southern Mexico is associated with
a trough of low pressure. Some gradual development of this system is
possible by this weekend or early next week while it moves slowly
westward to west-northwestward at 5 to 10 mph.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...30 percent.

$$
Forecaster Pasch/Bucci
NHC Webmaster

SPC Jul 21, 2022 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

3 years ago
SPC 1730Z Day 2 Outlook
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1229 PM CDT Thu Jul 21 2022 Valid 221200Z - 231200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF THE NORTHERN PLAINS...CENTRAL PLAINS INTO THE MIDWEST...AND PARTS OF THE NORTHEAST... ...SUMMARY... Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms may occur Friday into Friday night from parts of the central and northern Plains into the Upper Midwest, and over portions of the Northeast. ...Central Plains/Midwest... Considerable uncertainty remains regarding convective evolution from the central Plains into the Midwest Friday into Friday night. The most likely area of surface-based storm development appears to be across southwest NE into northwest KS, where strong heating and moderate destabilization is expected near/east of a weak surface low. Any development in this area could evolve into a multicell cluster capable of locally severe gusts and perhaps some hail. Other late afternoon/early evening development cannot be ruled out farther east, where one or more outflow boundaries may be left over from morning convection. Moderate instability and modest deep-layer shear would support an isolated severe hail/wind threat with any such development. Finally, one or more elevated clusters may develop late Friday night, in response to an increasing low-level jet and a vigorous mid/upper-level shortwave trough moving through the Dakotas. Should this occur, some threat for isolated severe hail/wind may persist into the overnight hours into parts of the Midwest. ...Dakotas into northwest MN... A vigorous mid/upper-level shortwave trough is forecast to move from the northern Rockies towards the Dakotas by Friday evening. In conjunction with this system, a surface low is forecast to develop somewhere over northeast MT/southern SK and move southeastward over the Dakotas. Guidance varies regarding the extent of destabilization near/north of a surface boundary that will be draped near the international border, but there is some potential for vigorous convection to develop across southeast SK/southwest MB and spread southeastward into parts of ND/northwest MN during the afternoon/early evening, potentially posing some threat of hail and strong wind gusts. Late Friday night into Saturday morning, an elevated cluster of storms may develop across southeast ND/northeast SD and begin moving east-southeastward, with a threat of isolated hail and strong/locally severe gusts. ...Northeast... Diurnal heating and sufficient low-level moisture will result in moderate destabilization across parts of the Northeast on Friday. Midlevel flow is expected to gradually weaken through the day, but remain sufficient to support 30-40 kt of effective shear, which will support a conditional threat of organized convection. With generally weak large-scale ascent and the lack of any notable focusing mechanisms, coverage and intensity of storm development remain uncertain, but storms capable of isolated damaging winds will be possible, primarily during the afternoon into the early evening. ..Dean.. 07/21/2022 Read more

SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 480

3 years ago
WW 480 SEVERE TSTM MD NC VA CW 211705Z - 220000Z
URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 480 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 105 PM EDT Thu Jul 21 2022 The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of Maryland Eastern Shore Central and Northeast North Carolina Southern and Southeast Virginia Coastal Waters * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 105 PM until 800 PM EDT. * Primary threats include... Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible SUMMARY...A cluster of thunderstorms developing over north-central North Carolina will track east-northeastward across the watch area through the afternoon. Damaging winds are the main threat. The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles north and south of a line from 25 miles south of Greensboro NC to 20 miles south of Wallops VA. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU0). PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... REMEMBER...A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes. && OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...CONTINUE...WW 479... AVIATION...A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 25025. ...Hart Read more

SPC MD 1534

3 years ago
MD 1534 CONCERNING SEVERE POTENTIAL...WATCH POSSIBLE FOR PARTS OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN VIRGINIA AND CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA
Mesoscale Discussion 1534 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1138 AM CDT Thu Jul 21 2022 Areas affected...parts of central and eastern Virginia and central North Carolina Concerning...Severe potential...Watch possible Valid 211638Z - 211845Z Probability of Watch Issuance...60 percent SUMMARY...Thunderstorms are forecast to develop this afternoon across central portions of North Carolina and Virginia. Potential for locally damaging winds with these storms may warrant WW consideration. DISCUSSION...Latest visible satellite loop shows a relative minimum in cloud cover from portions of central North Carolina northward across central Virginia, south of the northern Virginia cold front and northeast of an MCV crossing west-central North Carolina. With surface dewpoints in the mid to upper 70s across this region, heating has pushed mixed-layer CAPE values into the 2000 to 2500 J/kg range. Initial development of storms within this destabilizing environment is occurring near the aforementioned MCV. With time, storm coverage is expected to expand northeastward to the vicinity of the slowly southeastward-advancing cold front. Given moderate westerly flow at low to mid levels, and some increase in the mid-level winds with time, organized storms -- and some later upscale growth into bands -- is expected. Given accompanying/increasing potential for locally damaging wind gusts, WW may become needed over the next hour or so. ..Goss/Hart.. 07/21/2022 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product... ATTN...WFO...AKQ...LWX...RAH...RNK...GSP... LAT...LON 35398098 36198016 36397956 36997906 37817891 38057885 38867715 38647624 37717624 36577687 35427899 35398098 Read more

SPC Jul 21, 2022 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

3 years ago
SPC 1630Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1128 AM CDT Thu Jul 21 2022 Valid 211630Z - 221200Z ...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER MUCH OF NEW ENGLAND...THE MID-ATLANTIC...AND SOUTHEAST STATES... ...SUMMARY... Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of producing mainly damaging wind gusts appear possible over parts of the Northeast and Southeast, today through this evening. ...Northeast States... An upper low is tracking across southern Quebec today, with strong westerly flow aloft across all of NY and New England. Hot/humid surface conditions are prevalent across this region with dewpoints in the upper 60s and 70s, and temperatures near 90F. This will yield afternoon MLCAPE values of over 2000 J/kg. Scattered thunderstorms have begun to develop ahead of an approaching cold front, and multiple lines/clusters of storms are expected through the afternoon. Damaging wind gusts will be the main threat, although the strongest cells may occasionally produce hail. An isolated tornado is also possible. Storms will spread eastward toward the coast by late afternoon/evening, where marine influences should temper convective intensity. ...NC/VA... A weak upper trough is noted in water vapor imagery over WV/western VA. This feature and its associated 30+ kt mid level speed max will track eastward across VA/NC this afternoon. Strong heating and ample low-level moisture will lead to scattered thunderstorm development, with a few severe storms expected. Damaging winds will be the main threat, mainly 18-01z. ...GA/AL/MS/LA/AR... A very moist and potentially unstable air mass is present today from northern LA/southern AR eastward across into MS/AL/GA. Forecast soundings across this region show relatively steep mid-level lapse rates and some dry air aloft, along max-heating MLCAPE values of 3000-4000 J/kg. Most 12z CAM solutions indicate considerable coverage of afternoon and evening thunderstorms across the SLGT risk area. Winds aloft are weak, which should limit convective organization/maintenance. However, thermodynamic conditions are quite favorable for pulse/multicell storms capable of damaging downburst winds. Thunderstorms will build/propagate southward during the evening before weakening due to diurnal cooling after dark. ..Hart/Broyles.. 07/21/2022 Read more

SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook

3 years ago
SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1115 AM CDT Thu Jul 21 2022 Valid 211700Z - 221200Z ...NO CRITICAL AREAS... No changes to the ongoing forecast. ..Wendt.. 07/21/2022 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0153 AM CDT Thu Jul 21 2022/ ...Synopsis... A mid-level shortwave trough is forecast to move onshore across the northwestern periphery of a strong mid-level ridge centered over the Four Corners. Southwesterly flow aloft will increase accordingly, supporting locally gusty surface winds across much of the West. Beneath the ridge, very hot temperatures and isolated storms may produce locally elevated fire weather concerns across the southern Plains. ...Northern Great Basin into the central Rockies... Increasing southwesterly flow aloft ahead of the advancing trough should support an uptick in downslope winds off the higher terrain of the Great Basin and central Rockies this afternoon and evening. While not particularly strong, enhanced momentum transport and local terrain effects will aid occasional gusts to 20 mph. Given afternoon RH values below 15% and very dry fuels across much of the West, some localized fire weather threat will likely develop. The greatest confidence in a few hours of locally elevated conditions will remain across portions of southern OR, ID, into central WY. Elsewhere across the West, periodic dry and gusty conditions will be possible, but sustained elevated fire weather conditions are not expected. ...Southern Plains... Warm temperatures and low surface RH are again forecast beneath the strong upper ridge. Winds are forecast to be weak but may occasionally reach near 15 mph through the afternoon. These conditions may contribute to locally elevated fire weather concerns given drought-stricken fuels. The strong daytime heating will also support isolated afternoon thunderstorms across much of the southern Plains. While not dry given PWAT values of 1.8 inches, occasional lightning strikes may result in ignitions of highly receptive fuels. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

Nethery Road Fire (Wildfire)

3 years ago
On July 10, 2022, at approximately 4:50 pm, the Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to the Nethery Road Fire in Kimble County East of US Hwy 377 S and SSE of Junction and worked in unified command with the local fire department. The fire had burned very intensely through a dense juniper component and fire crews experienced many access issues due to terrain. Aviation was utilized in suppression of the fire making retardant and water drops. The fire is 3,262 acres at 100% contained. All state resources have been released from the fire and has transitioned back to the local unit. This will be the final update for this