Thunder storms, flood watch and explanation of fire danger rating system
Good morning Augusta.
Its booming and pouring outside folks, we're under a Severe weather warning
and flash flood watch so slow down on the morning commute.
This morning it is overcast with thunderstorms and rain showers. Fog early.
High of 73F. Winds from the South at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100% with
rainfall amounts near 0.7 in. possible.
Tonight it will be overcast with rain showers in the evening, then mostly
cloudy. Fog overnight. Low of 64F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph.
Chance of rain 70% with rainfall amounts near 0.4 in. possible.
The readings from my own instruments are:
The humidity is 98% with a Dew Point of 67.0ºF and a wind chill of 63.0ºF.
The temperature is 68.8ºF.
We have East Northeast winds between 1.0 MPH and 5.0 MPH.
Our Barometric pressure is 29.88 HPA 1011.5 and falling with a weather
graphic indicating rain.
The UV rating is 0 out of 16, sunset will be at 7:52 PM with Moon Rise at
8:27 a.m. and the moon phase is waxing crescent.
For the pilots out there, Raw Metar readings are:
SPECI KAUG 091110Z AUTO VRB04KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR OVC002 20/19 A2995 RMK AO2
LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE1056B08 P0002
Visibility is 3.0 miles/4.8 kilometers with overcast down to 200 ft / 60 m.
We've had 0.16 inches of rain here in the past 24 hours and it is still
coming down out there.
Are you ever confused about the summer time "Fire Danger" ratings that get
reported when it isn't raining? Maybe the following will help.
What is the National Fire Danger Rating System?
The National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) is a system that allows fire
managers to estimate today's or tomorrow's fire danger for a given area. It
combines the effects of existing and expected states of selected fire danger
factors into one or more qualitative or numeric indices that reflect an
area's fire protection needs. It links an organization's readiness level
(or pre-planned fire suppression actions) to the potential fire problems of
the day.
Knowledge of these levels can help forest visitors make decisions about
whether or not to have a campfire or ride their OHV in a grassy area.
Homeowners may choose to postpone burning a debris pile if they are aware of
the fire danger level for that day. Contractors working in the forest may
consider extra precautions when using equipment that might produce sparks.
In some cases, the National Forest may even restrict certain activities
based on the fire danger levels.
Shown below is a brief explanation of the different fire danger levels,
using adjectives and colors based on criteria established by the National
Fire Danger Rating System.
What fire danger factors are used to get the Fire Danger Rating?
The key inputs into the NFDRS model are: fuels, weather, topography and
risks.
How is fire danger different than fire behavior predictions?
Fire danger is a broad scale assessment while fire behavior is site
specific. In other words, fire danger ratings describe conditions that
reflect the potential, over a large area, for a fire to ignite, spread and
require suppression action. Fire behavior deals with an existing fire in a
given time and space, describing the movement, intensity and indicators of
rapid combustion of an ongoing fire.
What do you mean by "Adjective Rating"?
The "Adjective Ratings" are a public information description of the relative
severity of the current fire danger situation in a general area. Adjective
Ratings are generally posted on signs as visitor enter public lands or at
agency offices. Many people associate these signs as "Smokey Bear signs".
What are the different levels and what do they mean?
We use 5 different color-coded levels to help the public understand fire
potential. The purpose of this is for visitors to understand the current
conditions and help mitigate their actions to prevent human-caused
wildfires.
*Fire Danger Level: Low
When the fire danger is "low" it means that fuels do not ignite easily from
small embers, but a more intense heat source, such as lightning, may start
fires in duff or dry rotten wood. Fires in open, dry grasslands may burn
easily a few hours after a rain, but most wood fires will spread slowly,
creeping or smoldering. Control of fires is generally easy.
*Fire Danger Level: Moderate
When the fire danger is "moderate" it means that fires can start from most
accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is usually pretty low. If
a fire does start in an open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly
on windy days. Most wood fires will spread slowly to moderately. Average
fire intensity will be moderate except in heavy concentrations of fuel,
which may burn hot. Fires are still not likely to become serious and are
often easy to control.
*Fire Danger Level: High
When the fire danger is "high", fires can start easily from most causes and
small fuels (such as grasses and needles) will ignite readily. Unattended
campfires and brush fires are likely to escape. Fires will spread easily,
with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or concentrated fuels.
Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are put out
while they are still small.
*Fire Danger Level: Very High
When the fire danger is "very high", fires will start easily from most
causes. The fires will spread rapidly and have a quick increase in
intensity, right after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires
and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting and fire
whirls. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much
larger and longer-lasting fires.
Fire Danger Level: Extreme
When the fire danger is "extreme", fires of all types start quickly and burn
intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly
with intense burning. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the
"very high" level. Spot fires are probable, with long-distance spotting
likely. These fires are very difficult to fight and may become very
dangerous and often last for several days.
Its booming and pouring outside folks, we're under a Severe weather warning
and flash flood watch so slow down on the morning commute.
This morning it is overcast with thunderstorms and rain showers. Fog early.
High of 73F. Winds from the South at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100% with
rainfall amounts near 0.7 in. possible.
Tonight it will be overcast with rain showers in the evening, then mostly
cloudy. Fog overnight. Low of 64F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph.
Chance of rain 70% with rainfall amounts near 0.4 in. possible.
The readings from my own instruments are:
The humidity is 98% with a Dew Point of 67.0ºF and a wind chill of 63.0ºF.
The temperature is 68.8ºF.
We have East Northeast winds between 1.0 MPH and 5.0 MPH.
Our Barometric pressure is 29.88 HPA 1011.5 and falling with a weather
graphic indicating rain.
The UV rating is 0 out of 16, sunset will be at 7:52 PM with Moon Rise at
8:27 a.m. and the moon phase is waxing crescent.
For the pilots out there, Raw Metar readings are:
SPECI KAUG 091110Z AUTO VRB04KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR OVC002 20/19 A2995 RMK AO2
LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE1056B08 P0002
Visibility is 3.0 miles/4.8 kilometers with overcast down to 200 ft / 60 m.
We've had 0.16 inches of rain here in the past 24 hours and it is still
coming down out there.
Are you ever confused about the summer time "Fire Danger" ratings that get
reported when it isn't raining? Maybe the following will help.
What is the National Fire Danger Rating System?
The National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) is a system that allows fire
managers to estimate today's or tomorrow's fire danger for a given area. It
combines the effects of existing and expected states of selected fire danger
factors into one or more qualitative or numeric indices that reflect an
area's fire protection needs. It links an organization's readiness level
(or pre-planned fire suppression actions) to the potential fire problems of
the day.
Knowledge of these levels can help forest visitors make decisions about
whether or not to have a campfire or ride their OHV in a grassy area.
Homeowners may choose to postpone burning a debris pile if they are aware of
the fire danger level for that day. Contractors working in the forest may
consider extra precautions when using equipment that might produce sparks.
In some cases, the National Forest may even restrict certain activities
based on the fire danger levels.
Shown below is a brief explanation of the different fire danger levels,
using adjectives and colors based on criteria established by the National
Fire Danger Rating System.
What fire danger factors are used to get the Fire Danger Rating?
The key inputs into the NFDRS model are: fuels, weather, topography and
risks.
How is fire danger different than fire behavior predictions?
Fire danger is a broad scale assessment while fire behavior is site
specific. In other words, fire danger ratings describe conditions that
reflect the potential, over a large area, for a fire to ignite, spread and
require suppression action. Fire behavior deals with an existing fire in a
given time and space, describing the movement, intensity and indicators of
rapid combustion of an ongoing fire.
What do you mean by "Adjective Rating"?
The "Adjective Ratings" are a public information description of the relative
severity of the current fire danger situation in a general area. Adjective
Ratings are generally posted on signs as visitor enter public lands or at
agency offices. Many people associate these signs as "Smokey Bear signs".
What are the different levels and what do they mean?
We use 5 different color-coded levels to help the public understand fire
potential. The purpose of this is for visitors to understand the current
conditions and help mitigate their actions to prevent human-caused
wildfires.
*Fire Danger Level: Low
When the fire danger is "low" it means that fuels do not ignite easily from
small embers, but a more intense heat source, such as lightning, may start
fires in duff or dry rotten wood. Fires in open, dry grasslands may burn
easily a few hours after a rain, but most wood fires will spread slowly,
creeping or smoldering. Control of fires is generally easy.
*Fire Danger Level: Moderate
When the fire danger is "moderate" it means that fires can start from most
accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is usually pretty low. If
a fire does start in an open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly
on windy days. Most wood fires will spread slowly to moderately. Average
fire intensity will be moderate except in heavy concentrations of fuel,
which may burn hot. Fires are still not likely to become serious and are
often easy to control.
*Fire Danger Level: High
When the fire danger is "high", fires can start easily from most causes and
small fuels (such as grasses and needles) will ignite readily. Unattended
campfires and brush fires are likely to escape. Fires will spread easily,
with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or concentrated fuels.
Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are put out
while they are still small.
*Fire Danger Level: Very High
When the fire danger is "very high", fires will start easily from most
causes. The fires will spread rapidly and have a quick increase in
intensity, right after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires
and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting and fire
whirls. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much
larger and longer-lasting fires.
Fire Danger Level: Extreme
When the fire danger is "extreme", fires of all types start quickly and burn
intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly
with intense burning. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the
"very high" level. Spot fires are probable, with long-distance spotting
likely. These fires are very difficult to fight and may become very
dangerous and often last for several days.
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