The National Weather Service (NWS) - New Orleans / Baton Rouge office issued three weather alerts. A Red Flag Warning and a Fire Weather Watch are in effect over parts of Louisiana because of critical fire conditions.
In addition, a Small Craft Advisory is up as well.
Although the next seven days showed clear skies for Louisiana, the humidity is on the low side and wind gusts are reaching 20 mph.
This leads to critical fire conditions.
Red Flag Warning
At 3:58 AM, September 28, a Red Flag Warning was issued over Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi.
There will be high fire danger across parts of Mississippi and Louisiana due to the combined effect of low relative humidity near 25% and winds close to 20 mph with higher gusts, according to the alert, which was issued in alignment with the state fire weather officials.
Temperature highs in the concerned areas will reach 83 degrees.
The Red Flag Warning for fire weather hazards is still in effect from 9 AM to 7 PM today.
Authorities advised against outdoor burning at this time because any fires that start are likely to spread quickly.
When there is a Red Flag Warning, it means that there is or will soon be a critical fire weather condition. Extreme fire behavior may occur as a consequence of low relative humidity, strong winds, and warm temperatures.
Fire Weather Watch
The Fire Weather Watch in effect over parts of Louisiana and Mississippi for the 29th was issued at the same time as the Red Flag Warning on the 28th.
Thursday morning through Thursday afternoon, the FIRE WEATHER WATCH will remain in effect for possible fire weather hazards for South Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana.
Northeasterly winds are blowing at 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, and relative humidity levels are as low as 25%.
The Fire Weather Watch is triggered by critical fire weather, just like the Red Flag Warning, and any developing fires are expected to likely spread quickly.
Authorities do not recommend outdoor burning during this time.
Critical fire weather conditions are anticipated when there is a fire weather watch.
Keep an ear out for upcoming forecasts and potential Red Flag Warnings, National Weather Service noted.
Read also: Tampa Bay Is at Risk for Flooding as 2.5 Million People Told To Evacuate Due to Hurricane Ian
Small Craft Advisory
A Small Craft Advisory is still in effect until Thursday at 6 PM.
Seas of five to seven feet are predicted along with northeast winds of 20 to 25 kt with gusts reaching 35 kt. Lake Maurepas, Lake Pontchartrain, and Lake Borgne are among the areas that are impacted.
Authorities advise unpracticed mariners, particularly those operating smaller vessels, to avoid traversing in hazardous conditions because the weather will be dangerous for small craft, The Weather Channel reported.
When winds have accelerated to dangerously high speeds, the National Weather Service issues a Small Craft Advisory as a warning.
Depending on the location, the minimum sustained wind speeds required to issue a Small Craft Advisory range from 20 to 33 knots.
It can also be given out for other dangerous circumstances, like lake and sea ice.
When there is a small craft advisory, every boater should take the necessary safety measures.
Related article: Florida Deploys National Guard; Millions Ordered to Evacuate as Hurricane Ian Draws Near
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