Dry and windy conditions raise fire concerns, spark Red Flag Warning

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

The Gulf Coast Storm Team has declared Today and Wednesday Gulf Coast Weather Impact Days for high fire danger.

In the wake of Monday's front, gusty winds will continue throughout the day today, howling out of the northeast at 20 to 25 MPH.

Those winds will also usher in a shot of dry air, dropping afternoon relative humidity values toward and below 30%.

The combination of those conditions will maximize our brush fire risk today, as fires will be able to form with ease in the dry conditions, spreading quickly with the gusty winds.

As such, a rare Red Flag Warning for high fire danger has been issued by the National Weather Service for Lee, Desoto and Charlotte Counties from 11AM this morning until 8PM this evening.

Any and all outdoor burning or use of open flames is highly discouraged today. Residents are urged to keep vehicles off of the dry grass, and make sure to properly dispose of cigarettes as well.

Aside from the high fire danger, Tuesday will be a fairly pleasant day for the area, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the middle 80s.

The low humidity will leave us with a comfortably cool night tonight as well as temperatures will fall into the lower 60s and upper 50s.

Fire danger remains elevated Wednesday, with high humidity working in by the late part of the week. Rain chances will look to remain quite low through the rest of the week and weekend.

What is a Gulf Coast Weather 'Impact Day?'

Southwest Florida residents will see visual warnings on their daily Gulf Coast weather forecasts on air and online, designed to signal if weather may disrupt their daily life or pose a serious threat.

The Gulf Coast Weather team introduced two new categories, impact days and alert days, using yellow and red symbols to flag the potential for inconvenience or danger.

These icons are designed to provide an at-a-glance understanding of how the day’s forecast may impact commutes, outdoor plans or personal safety. The alerts will appear on TV forecasts and digital platforms to help you make informed decisions throughout the day.

Impact Day: Yellow symbol flags likely disruptions

A yellow triangle with an exclamation mark will now appear on forecasts for days when the weather is expected to interrupt normal routines. These are not extreme conditions but can still cause problems, especially during peak travel times, holidays, or for outdoor work and activities.

For example, dense morning fog or afternoon storms might slow down traffic, create slick roads and disrupt plans. The symbol is also used for days with moderate cold or heat that may limit time spent outside.

Examples of Gulf Coast Weather Impact Day weather:

Rain or storms that may limit outdoor activity, travel or holiday plans
Strong storms during a morning or evening commute
Dense fog reducing visibility across major roads
Moderate cold or summer heat that limits outdoor activity
Burn bans caused by dry weather and strong wind gusts

Alert Day: Red symbol warns of severe or dangerous weather

When more serious threats are expected, a red circle icon will appear on forecasts, warning viewers that the weather could become life-threatening. These are days when preparation is essential and residents should monitor forecasts closely for updates.

The red alert may be issued for an entire day or just for high-risk time periods, such as a thunderstorm threat in the late afternoon.

Examples of Gulf Coast Weather Alert Day weather:

Tornado threats or severe thunderstorms with damaging winds or hail
Flash flooding or widespread flooding from heavy rain
Hurricanes or tropical storms threatening the region
Extreme heat or cold creating health and safety risks

These icons are designed to provide you with clear and timely information about potential weather risks. The weather team encourages everyone to use the symbols as a cue to check the forecast more closely and plan accordingly.

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Your Gulf Coast Weather Team