Wildfire potential, March through June, 2013

The Predictive Services section at the National Interagency Fire Center has issued their Wildland Fire Potential Outlook for March through April, 2013. If the predictions are accurate the south part of Florida could be busy during the period, and activity in Minnesota, the southwest, and in parts of California should pick up later.



Below is an excerpt from the NIFC report:
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“The March, April and May through June 2013 significant wildland fire potential forecasts included in this outlook represent the cumulative forecasts of the eleven Geographic Area Predictive Services Units and the National Predictive Services Unit.
March

• February snow in the Plains and rain in the Southeast will keep fire potential normal to below normal, despite continuing drought conditions.
• Very dry February for Florida will favor early start to season and increasing potential for significant fires.

April

• Continuing rainfall deficits will keep significant fire potential above normal over most of Florida.
• Despite February snows, soil moisture deficits in the Upper Midwest will increase significant fire potential as the snow cover dissipates.
• Mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valleys will have below normal significant fire potential.

May and June

• Dry fuels will drive above normal significant fire potential for central parts of the Southwest and mountains and foothills of southern California.
• Above normal significant fire potential continues in Florida and on the lee side of Hawaii.
• Significant fire potential will decrease to normal in the upper Midwest as greenup commences.”

 Wildfire Today