At 1:47 p.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a fire weather watch valid for Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. for North and Northeast Elbert County below 6,000 feet/North Lincoln County as well as Logan and Washington counties.

The NWS states that the warning was issued for wind and low relative humidity. Winds are expected to be Thursday, northwest winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 35 to 50 mph. For Friday Northwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph and relative humidity 13 to 20 percent.

“Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire,” describes the NWS.

According to the NWS, a fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. Listen for later forecasts and possible red flag warnings.

Source: The National Weather Service