Continued heat, low humidity, and drought stoke the potential for wildfires in Arizona

According to the Arizona Weatherman, rising temperatures, lower humidity, and ongoing drought conditions will increase the likelihood of wildfires in Arizona in the next week. This is familiar for this time of year, as the typical dry season begins before the start of the monsoon.

Arizona State Climatology Office Drought MapPhoto byArizona State Climatology Office

The Arizona State of Climatology Office has provided a state drought map that indicates several counties are in a drought state. The hardest-hit county is Cochise, which has conditions ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought. Graham and Greenlee Counties also indicate similar drought conditions. Moderate drought conditions also impact Southern Apache, Gila, Maricopa, and Northwestern Arizona.

Couple these conditions with rising temperatures throughout the week, peaking on Thursday with near-record temperatures in some locations and low humidity in the 5-12% range, indicating that Arizona is at a very high wildfire risk. This risk will continue to increase through the week as temperatures rise, humidity lowers, and wind gusts rise, especially on the Mogollon Rim, with 35-45 mph in the afternoon hours on Thursday, 6 Jun 2024.

This is the time of year to get out and enjoy nature, camp, and have fun, but remember that wildfire season is upon us and poses a risk. And so, as you go out and enjoy nature, please be aware of the potential for wildfires. Follow local, state, and National Forest fire restrictions, put out campfires, and be careful during this time of year.

Source: The Arizona Weatherman, a seasoned meteorologist with over 25 years of experience in aviation meteorology with the United States Air Force, government contracting, and private practice, provides this forecast. His experience training Special Operations Weather Technicians (SOWT) in weather techniques and his state certification as a STEM teacher further underscore his expertise. His weather predictions are trustworthy.

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