The thermometer may read a cool 54°F at Hartsfield-Jackson early Tuesday, but by midday metro Atlanta will be warmer, breezier and noticeably drier as east winds move in. Humidity is expected to fall into the low 20s this afternoon, raising the risk that small yard fires or stray embers could spread across dry fuels.
Afternoon Winds Kick Up
East winds are expected to increase to 10 to 15 mph Tuesday afternoon with gusts up to 25 mph, under mostly sunny skies and a high around 65°F across most of the Atlanta area. Those gusts turn everyday outdoor chores like mowing, running power equipment or burning yard debris into a bigger hazard, so it is safer to tackle those tasks during the calmer morning hours if you can.
Fire Danger Through This Evening
According to the National Weather Service Peachtree City, a Special Weather Statement is in effect through 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday warning that relative humidities could fall near or below 25 percent for several hours and gusty easterly winds will elevate fire danger, especially north of I-20. Officials urge avoiding open burning and using extreme caution with anything that can produce sparks while fuels remain dry.
Check Permits Before You Burn
Before lighting debris or conducting a controlled burn, check rules and permit requirements with the Georgia Forestry Commission and your local fire marshal, since some burns require notification or a permit and county ordinances can be stricter. The GFC site also lists safety steps, such as keeping a water source and hand tools nearby, to reduce the chance of escaped fires.
Rest Of The Week
Dry, seasonable weather continues into Wednesday with a high near 62°F, followed by a warming trend later in the week into the upper 70s and low 80s by Thursday and Friday with low rain chances. If you have outdoor plans, it is a better bet to aim for the morning or postpone burns until after the advisory ends and humidity recovers.
