NEWS RELEASE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
**************************
The National Weather Service in Marquette has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday for much of the central and eastern U.P. including Luce, Mackinac and Chippewa Counties.
"A low-level jet bringing southerly winds as high as 35 to 40 mph is expected to co-inside with relative humidities dipping down into the lower to mid 30 percents and ongoing abnormally dry to severe drought conditions Saturday afternoon," says the alert. "While moisture will increase from the west later in the afternoon, the dry and windy conditions will be create an ideal environment for rapid fire growth and spread."
Burn restrictions are likely in effect. For more information on burn restrictions visit the Michigan DNR website at http://www.michigan.gov/burnpermit or by calling 866-922-2876.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures and exceptionally dry fuels will create dangerous wildland fire conditions. Campfires, outdoor grills, smoking materials, fireworks, chain saws, and all-terrain vehicles all have the potential to throw a spark and ignite a dangerous and destructive fire.
*************************
