Weather Wonders: Weather and wildfires

(KSLA) - There have been dozens of wildfires throughout the ArkLaTex over the past few days. And current weather conditions play a big role in how intense and fast such blazes are able to spread.

Most of the region is under a significant drought, as rain has been scarce through much of the summer and fall. Shreveport has seen only 2.78 inches of rain since July 1. This has lead to dry vegetation, supplying fuel for fires to burn very quickly. As evidenced by fires early this week in East Texas, just a single spark from a flat tire could cause flames to engulf hundreds of acres.

Not only is the lack of rain increasing the wildfire risk, low humidity levels are not helping matters. The very dry air allows vegetative fuel to light quickly and burn very hot. The current air mass is allowing for temperatures to heat into the mid-90s with relative humidity levels only reaching 10 percent to 20 percent.

A final ingredient is wind. Luckily, high wind has not been a huge factor across the area. But it does have the potential to shift the path of fires, increase their speed and even develop updrafts, where flames could engulf entire forests and threaten homes.

If you're worried about protecting your home from wildfires, the best thing you can do is a little yardwork. Rake away pine needles, leaves and sticks. This will take fuel away from a fire if one were to begin near your home. Also make sure to abide all burn bans. And be very cautious not to cause a spark.

If you have any of your own Weather Wonders, make sure to send them my way!

Facebook: Meteorologist Nicole Madden KSLA

Twitter: @NicoleMaddenWX