SPC Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0341 PM CST Fri Jan 09 2026 Valid 111200Z - 171200Z ...Synopsis... Dry conditions and gradually warming temperatures will likely dominate the western U.S. under a relatively stagnant upper-level ridging pattern across the region. Broad northwest flow and upper-level troughing across the eastern U.S. will continue to usher in periods of colder temperatures and some precipitation via frontal systems through late next week, although the High Plains should remain largely dry. ...Southern/Central High Plains... A dry return flow pattern should materialize early next week across the Southern Plains as surface high pressure settles into the southeastern U.S. Although dry conditions will persist, surface winds from the west/southwest should remain muted, limiting a broader fire weather threat. A more amplified upper-level pattern should emerge by Day 6/Wednesday accompanied by a broad cold front across the central U.S. This could present a fire weather concern for portions of the Southern Plains/TX. Increasing northwest flow aloft over the central/southern Rockies by Day 7/Thursday and another potential cold front will promote a favorable downslope wind set up in the lee of the central/southern Rockies. Some uncertainty in frontal timing limits predictability at this time with no critical probabilities introduced. ...Day 3/Sunday - Southeast... Considerable rainfall associated with an upper-level trough and surface cold front over the weekend will likely mitigate fire weather concerns from the northern Gulf Coast into the Mid Atlantic for early next week. However, portions of southern Georgia, Coastal Plains of the Carolinas and Florida could evade heavier rainfall. This region could be exposed to dry, post-frontal flow from the northwest on Day 3/Sunday although marginal fuels precludes introduction of critical probabilities at this time. ..Williams.. 01/09/2026 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...
