INDIANAPOLIS — UPDATE: The National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions, which is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.
The Fire Weather Watch, previously issued for Friday, is no longer in effect and has been upgraded to a warning.
ORIGINAL: A Red Flag Warning has been issued by NWS through Thursday at 7 p.m. for central Indiana as conditions become ripe for the possibility of fire. A fire watch was also issued for Friday through the evening.
A warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.
Wind direction is heading southwest at 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, said NWS. Outdoor burning is not recommended and people are reminded to never throw cigarettes out of a vehicle. During conditions such as these, any fires that develop are likely to spread rapidly.
