The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for Cobb County and other parts of north and central Georgia for Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
There are three reasons given for the outlook:
- This afternoon there is a high danger of fire due to the expected low relative humidity and dry conditions
- There is still some flooding around rivers, including the Chattahoochee
- Storms are approaching Georgia and are expected to hit Thursday evening, with the possibility that some of them might become strong to severe
What is in the statement?
The statement gives the following details:
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North and Central Georgia.
.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight…
A Fire Danger Statement is in effect through 8 PM this evening due
to low relative humidities and dry fuels for portions of far east
and central Georgia. Please use caution and check with local
authorities before attempting any burns.
Portions of the Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Chattahoochee Rivers remain
in flood across central Georgia. Please use caution around
flooded areas, and do not drive through any flooded roadways.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Thursday through Tuesday…
Periods of thunderstorm activity are forecast in the region
between Thursday night and Sunday evening. Some storms may become
strong to severe on Friday. A Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for
severe storms is in effect for portions of west Georgia on Friday.
Why does low relative humidity increase the danger of fire?
The National Park Service published the following explanation of why low relative humidity increases the danger of fires:
“Relative humidity is important because dead forest fuels and the air are always exchanging moisture. Low humidity takes moisture from the fuels, and fuels in turn, take moisture from the air when the humidity is high.
“Light fuels, such as grass and pine needles, gain and lose moisture…
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