Wildfires explained by Ginger ZeeABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee explains how wildfires start, how they affect the environment and whether they are becoming more common due to climate change.
Over 25 million Americans remain under red flag warnings on Saturday, as warm, dry and windy conditions continue to heighten the risk of wildfires.
Much of the fire threat stretches across the Central U.S., but parts of the Southeast — like North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia — are also under an elevated risk as well.
A wildfire in southeast Miami-Dade, Florida, was 50% contained as of Saturday morning, local officials said.
“Firefighters continue working around the clock to contain the fire. So far today there have been no road closures to and from the Florida Keys, but we continue to advise residents and commuters to stay informed and alert in case conditions change,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said.
While many areas face an elevated threat for fires today, parts of New Mexico and West Texas face a critical threat today. Sustained winds between 15-25 mph (and higher gusts), warm temperatures and low relative humidity will contribute to the heightened threat.
Conditions should improve slightly by Sunday, but the fire threat remains elevated for parts of the Southern Plains from North Texas up through Nebraska.
Heavy snow and a wintry mix are expected across parts of the Upper Midwest and northern Great Lakes, where winter weather alerts are in effect for parts of northeastern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Snowfall totals ranging between 3 to 7 inches are possible, along with a light glaze of ice accumulations. However, areas farther north could expect heavier and steadier snow, leading to higher totals.
A good portion of Missouri and eastern Kansas, along with the northeastern corner of Oklahoma and northwestern corner of Arkansas, are under a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) for severe storms this evening and overnight. Damaging winds and the potential for large hail remains the biggest concern, but a tornado or two can’t entirely be ruled out either.
As this storm system heads farther east on Sunday, the threat for severe weather will increase across the Lower Mississippi River Valley and Deep South. Heavy rain from storms could also lead to flash flooding, especially in prone areas.
Over 4 million are under a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe storms Sunday afternoon and evening from Texas up through Tennessee. Again, the threat for damaging winds and hail remains the biggest concern, but a few tornadoes are also possible.
