National Weather Service Puts Bighorn Basin Under Red Flag Fire Warning
Written by Andrew-Rossi on September 19, 2022
Park, Big Horn, Hot Springs, and Washakie Counties are under a Red Flag Warning all afternoon on Monday, Sept. 19, due to a “perfect storm” of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.
The National Weather Service Office in Riverton issued a Red Flag Warning for the Bighorn Basin on Monday, Sept. 19. The warning is in effect from noon until 8 p.m. Monday evening.
A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or soon.
Courtesy Google Maps
“Low humidities, unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong gusty winds will create erratic fire behavior for any new or existing fires,” the warning reads.
Temperatures across the Bighorn Basin will reach into the low 80s in the afternoon – unseasonably warm for mid-September. Meanwhile, humidity in the region is only 12%.
The N.W.S. has a few important recommendations to ensure any fire-related activities undertaken today remain safe and contained:
- Stay aware of the weather and your surroundings
- Be extremely careful with open flames
- If you see smoke or fire, contact 911 as soon as possible.
- Be ready to evacuate quickly if ordered or a fire threatens your community
Courtesy NWS
