The National Weather Service Northern Indiana has issued a special weather statement for counties in northern Indiana including Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Noble, Whitley counties for a heightened fire danger this weekend. The danger will exist until approximately 8:15 p.m. Sunday.
Recent rainfall has increased fine fuels moisture, however, a combination of humidity values in the 25 to 30 percent range with wind gusts to 30 miles per hour and increasing southwesterly winds of 15 mph to 20 mph will allow for rapid drying of these fine fuels this afternoon. As a result there will be an increased risk for grass, brush and ditch fires to spread out of control.
Temperatures will climb Sunday to the 60s in the afternoon with humidity values dropping into the 25 to 35 percent range. Winds will increase once again to 15 mph to 25 mph.
The best time for burning will be mid to late morning before wind speeds increase. Burning is not advised during the afternoon hours both today and Sunday. If persons must burn, ensure the fire is constantly monitored and options available to quickly extinguish the fire. If control of the fire is lost, quickly call the local fire department.