Fire Weather Watch issued for entire Rio Grande Valley

As a cold front approaches the Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Brownsville has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the entire Rio Grande Valley.

The NWS reports the Fire Weather Watch will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Because of the watch, forecasters said outdoor burning should be postponed and the public should avoid using equipment that sparks.

In addition, motorists should refrain from parking their vehicles on grass.

The cold front will move through the Valley on Wednesday, dropping dew points 45 degrees between daybreak and mid afternoon that will lead to very dry conditions.

“Relative humidity values are expected to plummet into the teens by the afternoon, with 20 foot wind speeds between 15 and 25 mph, and wind gusts to 35 mph,” states Rick Hallman, an NWS forecaster.

“Temperatures are expected to warm well above normal, into the mid and upper 90s, especially across the Rio Grande Valley. The combination of these parameters will lead to rapid wildfire growth and spread with erratic fire behavior. A Red Flag Warning will likely be needed for all or portions of Deep South Texas.”

Unlike the cold front that pushed through the Valley last week and brought rain with it, it’s highly unlikely rain will accompany the one moving through the area on Wednesday.

The highs on Wednesday will be around 97 degrees but it will be much cooler in the evening with the lows around 61 degrees. The highs on Thursday will be around 85 degrees with the lows around 58 degrees. Daytime temperatures on Friday will be around 81 degrees, the overnight lows will be 57 degrees. Saturday’s daytime temperatures will be about 85 degrees with the lows about 64 degrees.

The temperatures on Sunday, which is Halloween, will in no way be spooky. The highs will be around 87 degrees and the overnight lows around 68 degrees.

[email protected]