Houston residents planning for the second weekend of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are advised to be aware of increasing wildfire risks due to current weather conditions. A cold front that moved through Southeast Texas this morning has brought breezy and dry weather. The combination of low humidity, cool temperatures, strong winds, and dry vegetation is creating conditions that could lead to rapidly spreading wildfires.
The National Weather Service has issued fire weather alerts starting this afternoon and lasting into the evening, with the possibility of renewal on Sunday as another round of dry air moves in. Forecasts indicate that northwesterly winds could gust up to 25 mph, increasing the risk of rapidly spreading any ignited flames.
The Texas A&M Forest Service forecasts high to very high fire danger, primarily along and west of Interstate 45. Drought-affected vegetation in West and Central Texas is reported to be highly susceptible to wildfires. With relative humidity expected to drop below 30% and strong winds in the forecast, the wildfire risk is elevated. Since 90% of Texas wildfires are human-caused, officials advise against any outdoor burning.
An alarming 123 out of 254 Texas counties have enacted outdoor burn bans, primarily in areas west of Interstate 35 where the vegetation is particularly parched. "The most innocuous spark or ember around critically dry fuels such as dry grasses or brush can result in a fire quickly growing out of control," warned the forest service in a report obtained by Houston Chronicle. The intensified drought experienced in Texas, particularly west of the Brazos River Valley, only serves to heighten the potential for disaster.
Residents of Houston and surrounding counties are advised to remain aware, follow fire weather alerts, and take precautions to reduce wildfire risks during this period of increased vulnerability.
