FROM GARFIELD COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
 
Besides a few fronts/troughs that will traverse the area over the next few days temperatures will be fluctuating too. Keep a coat in the truck and car just in case. As most of you are aware, we are in a drought situation. The season is winter and foliage around the region is dead. With humidity low, dew points low and winds 5-15 gusting to 25 and then increasing this afternoon, the FIRE DANGER IS HIGH. We are in a RED FLAG WARNING TODAY.
Yesterday’s fire east if Fairmont was due to an old transformer basically shorting out. Sparks ensued and fire erupted. With the winds yesterday it didn’t take the fire long to spread. Today’s winds will be higher and from the SSW. Be extremely careful doing anything where fire is involved. No controlled burning is advised. IF YOU SEE SMOKE AND OR FIRE, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. Yesterday’s response was automatic from 7 rural fire departments once the tones were sent. Keep your eyes peeled whether you are in a town or out in the open spaces.
 
WEATHERWISE: We will transition from mild weather to very cold weather starting late Monday. ARCTIC AIR is traveling our way so remember what you did or didn’t do to be prepared for the up and coming cold air. I would keep those hand warmers around for a while. Is snow in the forecast for later next week? It’s still a little early to say but Stay tuned!!
 
Your forecast from the NWS/NORMAN;
 
Friday-Sunny with a high near 60. Windy, with a south southwest wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph.
Friday Night-Mostly clear with a low around 33. South winds 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
 
Finally, stay Weather Aware and Fire Aware. Be careful out there.
MIKE
image2