A combination of dry weather and strong winds has increased the chance of fires spreading in Houston Thursday, the National Weather Service said.
The NWS issued a “red flag warning” for the Houston area at 10 a.m., meaning fires can start easily and be more easily spread across the region. The warning is expected to last until 7 p.m.
The majority of wildfire weather occurs when the humidity drops below 20%. Winds from the northwest could gust up to 30 miles per hour.
Meteorologists are advising people not to leave fires unattended, and to exercise caution throughout the day.
“You want to be extra cautious if you’re towing anything today, make sure that you check your chains, that they’re not dragging on the ground, and you know kicking up sparks,” NWS meteorologist Katherine Lenninger said. “That you’re not tossing cigarettes outside, that’ll easily combust, especially in dry path grasses.”
The weather is expected to turn to sunny conditions this weekend, with highs in the 80s.
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