Fire Weather Outlook Discussion
Issued by NWS
Issued by NWS
598 FNUS28 KWNS 212104 FWDD38 Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0402 PM CDT Mon Sep 21 2026 Valid 231200Z - 291200Z ...Discussion... An upper low will transition into the Great Lakes region and Ohio Valley on Day 3/Thursday, supporting precipitation chances and much cooler temperatures along/east of the Appalachians. Meanwhile, a shallow cold front will slowly progress southward through southern Texas and the Deep South. Hot and mostly dry conditions will continue across the lower Mississippi Valley through the forecast period as upper ridging rebuilds over the ArkLaTex, contributing to forecast ERCs approaching the 90-95th percentile; but, prevailing light winds should suppress overall fire weather concerns. Guidance is in general agreement for ridging to build over the central CONUS late in the workweek as an upper trough evolves across the Eastern Pacific and impinges upon the Northwest. The overall pattern indicates stronger southwest winds may return to the portions of the northern Great Basin, Pacific Northwest, and Northern Rockies on Days 4-5/Thursday-Friday; however, an expected marginal fuelscape should limit a broader fire weather threat. If fuels guidance trends drier, critical probabilities may be needed in future outlook cycles. ..Elizalde-Garcia.. 09/21/2026 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... $$