Atlanta woke up to clear skies and cool air Tuesday, with temperatures lounging in the low 50s. The tranquil start is a bit of a fake-out, though, as forecasters say very dry air and northeast winds will drop afternoon humidity into the 20s, ramping up fire danger and triggering a Red Flag Warning for parts of the region from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Afternoon Winds And Fire Risk
Through this afternoon, northeast winds are expected around 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph, while relative humidity dips into the mid-20s or lower for several hours. Combined with dry fuels from an ongoing drought, those ingredients add up to hazardous fire weather across portions of north and central Georgia through Wednesday. Officials are urging residents to hold off on outdoor burning and avoid spark-producing activities today, according to the National Weather Service.
What To Do Today
Skip the yard piles, bonfires and fireworks for now; even tiny embers can spread fast when humidity is low and gusts pick up. If you are going to use a grill or leaf blower, clear away flammable debris, keep a water source close and stay with your equipment the whole time. Check county rules and permit requirements before any open burn, since permits and contacts vary; see burn rules and contacts for links to the Georgia Forestry Commission and local offices.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday will stay sunny with a high near 75 and a mostly clear night near 50. Winds shift to the east and pick up on Wednesday, keeping highs near 67 but allowing gusts up to 30 mph. Humidity is expected to ease later in the week as temperatures climb into the mid-80s by the weekend, and rain chances stay very low. That keeps drought and elevated fire risk in the spotlight for the next several days, so consider outdoor burning on hold until conditions turn more forgiving.
