Today in Raleigh, the National Weather Service advises residents to be cautious with fire pits and barbecues. The NWS has issued an Hazardous Weather Outlook alert for a large swath of central North Carolina, stretching from the neighboring chatter of Person down through to the bustling activity of Sampson counties, including the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro.
As the day progresses, "Minimum relative humidity values between 20 and 30 percent and dry fuels will promote increased fire danger today," as stated by the National Weather Service's Special Weather Statement. Basically, if you drop a match, you're playing with more than fire – you're flirting with a full-blown blaze. The NWS recommends cutting back on the outdoor ignition; but if you must, keep your wits sharp and suppression tools sharper.
Weather wonks aren't just wagging their fingers at pyromaniacs. This warning comes as part of the Hazardous Weather Outlook, which broadcasts a mixed bag forecast through next Wednesday. While the sun might be in generous supply most days, Sunday's shaping up to be a rooftop rumbler. The region could see thunderstorms with "strong to locally damaging wind gusts and brief tornadoes" and not to mention the possibility of some impromptu swimming pools thanks to localized flash flooding, particularly where concrete reigns king.
And for those who thought windy was just a Chicago moniker, think again. The City of Oaks is looking at some seriously gusty weather, with wind speeds potentially ramping up to 45 mph this coming Sunday. If previous forecasts turn out true, local spotters might earn their keep. They can expect a memo from the NWS, considering spotter activation "may be needed on Sunday."
