Ticker for February 22, 2017

                
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Fire Weapon




Yes, just as predicted...the rain didn't exactly tamp down on the fire danger. It
helped in some ways, but as we've explained before, the cool season (although
this year it's more like the "mild season") fire danger doesn't go away until we
green up. That usually occurs with spring, although it can last through parts of
spring if we're in drought. Take 2015, for instance. Even though it ended as the
wettest year on record, we had incredible fires right up through mid-April when
it finally started raining and things greened up.

Right now, things ain't green. They're getting better with the recent moisture,
but not a full-on lush April landscape yet.




For now we have a Red Flag Warning for the Panhandle and a Fire Weather Watch
for the western quarter of the state. In terms of seriousness, you could liken
the Red Flag Warning to a tornado warning, and the Fire Weather Watch to a
tornado watch. But in reality, most of state should be careful about burning
today, not just the highlighted areas. And there are still burn bans in place.



Here are some particulars from the local NWS offices.







We're in another one of those weather patterns where the temperatures are gonna
be on a roller coaster, but dry mostly.




Never fear (unless you're scared, then go ahead and fear), our next storm will
appear on the horizon before you know it. But until we green up, the fire danger
will visit every now and again. Today and tomorrow, at least.

Gary McManus
State Climatologist
Oklahoma Mesonet
Oklahoma Climatological Survey
(405) 325-2253
gmcmanus@mesonet.org