At Least One More Fire Weather Day for SW Florida (H. Michael Mogil, CCM, CBM, NWA-DS*)
After two days of wildfire danger across interior southwest Florida, it appears that southwest Floridians will have to deal with at least one more day (possibly two) with similar conditions.
Yesterday (March 29, 2022), a fire in Eastern Collier County allowed dense smoke (aloft) to move across parts of northern Collier and southern Lee Counties. Fig. 1 shows a radar image around dinnertime. This cloud (not filled with water, but rather smoke particles) remained nearly stationary (at the scene of the fire) for more than two hours. But the larger smoke cloud (less dense than the clouds closest to the fire) and below the radar beam, at a larger distance from the Miami radar, was not detected over northern Collier County. However, ground views (Fig. 2) from about 6:10 p.m. E.D.T. clearly show the cloud. Fig. 3 shows the cloud and how it interacted with sunset lighting.
Today, similar conditions (dry vegetation, warm temperatures, and low humidity values) prevail; however, winds will be a bit stronger. As a result, the National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Miami and Tampa have issued Red Flag Warnings for inland areas across southwest Florida (Fig. 4).
If you wish to keep up with any fire activity and/or updates to the official forecasts, please monitor local TV, radio, and/or reliable internet sites. You can also check out these NWS sites:
- https://www.weather.gov/mfl/firewx
- https://forecast.weather.gov/php?site=NWS&product=FWF&issuedby=MFL
If a smoke cloud (even aloft) approaches where you live, it is probably best to stay where you are, with windows and doors closed. People with respiratory concerns may wish to check with their doctor and/or local medical facilities. Should a wildfire threaten your home (most likely in the lesser-populated areas of eastern and central Collier County), evacuate per instructions from local emergency officials and/or police.
Tomorrow may see a similar threat. By Friday and into the weekend, higher humidity readings, more cloud cover, and even chances for rain or showers enter the scene.
© 2022 H. Michael Mogil
Originally posted 3/30/22
* The National Weather Association Digital Seal (NWA-DS) is awarded to individuals who pass stringent meteorological testing and evaluation of written weather content. H. Michael Mogil was awarded the second such seal and is a strong advocate for its use by weather bloggers.