Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued For Southern Connecticut: What You Need To Know

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT — The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the region.

The weather service wrote, "An extended period (a week and counting) of dry conditions will
continue through the week. There is potential to meet Red Flag criteria for elevated brush fire spread on both Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday, away from the immediate south an east coastal areas, min RH values will likely drop into the 20s with frequent gusts of 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. On Wednesday, min RH values will likely drop into the 20 to 30 percent range with frequent gusts of 25 to 30 mph, area wide."

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has also issued a Reg Flag warning, cautioning residents to avoid open burning over the next few days.

"According to the National Weather Service, “a Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly.” Any fires that start may spread rapidly and become difficult to extinguish. During the early spring, dry conditions coupled with higher winds and a lack of green vegetation cause conditions that will cause fires to spread very rapidly," state officials said.

The Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control also reminded all residents to avoid all open burning during this time. Several communities had large area brush fires this weekend and that trend is expected to continue.

"Open burning is regulated by both DEEP and your local community for public health reasons, so it is important that you contact your local fire department prior to beginning any open burning activities," state officials said. "Another critical safety factor is the Forest Fire Danger Index which is defined by DEEP and is dependent on moisture, wind and other factors. Open burning is prohibited when the danger index is high, very high or extreme."

See also: Bear Sightings, Home Invasions In CT On The Rise: Town-By-Town Updates

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Here are the forecast details via the National Weather Service:

This Afternoon: Sunny, with a high near 64. West wind 8 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Light south wind becoming southwest 11 to 16 mph in the morning.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy, with a northwest wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 82.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 85.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 78.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71.