Red Flag Warning issued for all of Southwest Florida

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of Southwest Florida from 9 a.m. Monday until 7 p.m.

A Freeze Watch has been issued for late Monday night into Tuesday morning for parts of Southwest Florida, including Glades, Hendry, and inland Collier County.

The National Weather Service says a Red Flag Warning alerts managers on federal lands to conditions that are highly unfavorable for prescribed burns and may lead to especially dangerous wildfire growth.

Following the continued stretch of dry weather, fire danger levels are increasing. The National Weather Service has issued the watch ahead of critical conditions expected on Monday.

Earlier on Sunday, a Fire Weather Watch was declared. A Fire Weather Watch is declared when a combination of low humidity, dry conditions, and breezy winds creates the potential for rapid fire growth. All of these elements will be in place as a cold front moves south Sunday afternoon.

Northwest winds are forecast to increase to 10–20 mph, with higher gusts possible at times.

Southwest Florida is already experiencing very dry conditions, and the addition of low dewpoints and gusty winds will further elevate the fire threat.

This watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible, and any fires that ignite could spread quickly.

Burn bans remain in effect for all counties across Southwest Florida.

The Weather Authority team will continue to keep you updated on the latest all week long as fire dangers remain elevated.