Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is at risk for wildfires as dry, hot and windy conditions are forecast to persist into Monday night, May 4, and weather officials have issued a red flag warning.
Northern, central and southeast counties in the Lower Peninsula are under a red flag warning until Monday night, May 4, with extreme fire danger ratings (FDR) shown on the Great Lakes Fire & Fuel map — available on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ fire conditions webpage.
Officials issued a warning for favorable fire risk weather in Michigan: humidity as low as 19%, temperature highs into the upper 70s and wind gusts up to 45 mph.
Residents are urged to avoid burning and to use caution if grilling and to not dispose of cigarettes outside because fire could easily catch and spread.
“Be careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildfire. Camping…outdoor grills…smoking materials…chain saws…and all terrain vehicles all have the potential to throw a spark and ignite a dangerous and destructive fire,” Grand Rapids NWS office said.
In Greater Lansing, Clinton and Shiawassee counties are under a red flag warning until 7 p.m. May 4.
To check local conditions, the Great Lakes Fire & Fuel map shows fire danger ratings across the state with details on current humidity, temperatures and wind speeds. In addition, Michigan’s National Weather Service offices in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Marquette and Gaylord post updates on social media.
More on Michigan’s fire risk on Monday, May 4.
What is a red flag warning?
A red flag warning is issued when critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly, according to the NWS. Strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Where is a red flag warning in effect in Michigan?
To view details of the current warnings in Michigan click on a shaded region on the map. Hot pink represents a red flag warning.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Much of Lower Michigan under red flag warning as fire risk rises
Reporting by Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
