Ticker for January 19, 2000

                
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January 19, 2000   January 19, 2000   January 19, 2000   January 19, 2000


Strong Northerly Winds Exacerbate Fire Danger Conditions

This afternoon's weather map features strong gusty northerly winds
behind a surface trough (yes, the cold air is coming, too):


These high winds and low dew points have aggravated already-significant
fire danger conditions in western Oklahoma.  Here are some images of
Oklahoma Fire Danger Model output to illustrate the situation:
Burning Index:    

Spread Component: 


Since October 1, 1999, much of western Oklahoma has received less than
half of its normal rainfall:


This is also reflected in the Keetch-Byram Drought Index values in the
region:



In Tomorrow's Ticker ...

Some information regarding tomorrow night's total eclipse of the moon!