A fire in the Everglades in Southern Florida continues to rage on Wednesday, causing smoke to be visible as far south as the Florida Keys.
The Context
Wildfire season runs year-round in Florida, though it peaks from late spring through summer when drought is most widespread.
So far this year, 745 fires have ignited across the state, burning more than 15,700 acres of land. As of Wednesday afternoon, there are at least 17 active fires burning in Florida, according to a wildfire map from the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Even more blazes have been reported as contained and no longer active. There also are a few newly reported fires that haven’t been confirmed yet.
What To Know
The largest fire burning in the Sunshine State is near the Everglades in Miami-Dade County. As of the most recent update, the fire has spread to 3,600 acres and is 20 percent contained.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Wind
Animated weather footage from windy.com shows wind gusts in Southern Florida at around 14 knots, or 16 mph. A red flag warning has been issued by the NWS office in Miami, alerting residents of “critical fire weather conditions” that could cause the blazes to spread rapidly.
Drought
Drought conditions around Miami run from minor to moderate, according to the map.
The U.S. Drought Monitor Map shows nearly all of Miami-Dade County as abnormally dry. Nearly 28 percent of the county, mostly in the north and central parts, is battling severe drought.
Weather Radar
No rain or storms are visible on the radar for all of South Florida.
Fire Danger
Animated weather footage shows that fire danger is moderate to high across all of South Florida.
In NWS Miami’s red flag warning, meteorologists warned of southwest winds from 10 mph to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. Relative humidity will be as low as 30 percent, and temperatures are expected to hit the upper 80s.
What People Are Saying
NWS lead forecaster Chris Fisher told Newsweek: “It’s pretty common this time of year down here in South Florida. From now through early May is typically our fire season down here, so it’s not too uncommon.”
NWS office in Miami, in a red flag warning: “Any fires that develop could spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.”
The NWS office in Key West, Florida, in a forecast on Wednesday: “Smoke from wildfires in the Everglades may linger over the Keys through the early afternoon. Near nil chances of rain will prevail through tonight. Light to gentle breezes veering from NE to SE.”
What Happens Next
Wildfire conditions may continue. The NWS Climate Prediction Center anticipates that Florida will experience above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation over the next eight to 14 days.
The red flag warning conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.