Alert! What Is a Fire Weather Watch in Arizona?

Every state has some form of severe weather. You might be familiar with tornado weather, hurricane warnings, and severe thunderstorm alerts. In Arizona, we have Fire Weather Alerts.

It's Fire Season in Arizona. While wildfires can happen anytime, peak wildfire season typically runs from May through early July in Arizona. The biggest danger is right before the monsoon season begins. The monsoons change everything when they bring moisture in, lowering the danger. In especially dry years, wildfires can occur year-round.

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What Factors Can Cause Wildfires in Arizona?

Strong, hot winds combine with low humidity and rising temperatures to create the perfect conditions for wildfire season.

Arizona is at the highest risk in late spring through early summer, but low winter rainfall and drought conditions have upped the ante in recent years. Arizona is now at risk for longer and more intense wildfire seasons.

There are different levels of danger associated with wildfire season. A Fire Weather Watch is issued when meteorologists see hot temperatures, dry air, and strong winds coming together.

When conditions escalate, it becomes a Red Flag Warning. Keep reading, here's what all these different alerts mean.

READ MORE: Why Experts Worry Arizona Could See Dangerous Wildfires this Year

What is a Fire Weather Watch?

Nowadays, most people get weather alerts on their cellphones. Let's break down what the different Fire Weather Alerts mean in Arizona.

• Fire Weather Watch: This means conditions could lead to extreme fire behavior, but it’s not imminent. It’s a heads-up to be prepared.
• Red Flag Warning: This is more serious. It means dangerous fire weather conditions are happening or will happen soon. If you see this, take action to prevent fires.
• Extreme Fire Behavior Alert: This means a wildfire is likely to rage out of control. Wildfires spread fast, behave unpredictably, and can be very dangerous. If there's already a wildfire burning nearby, it could create a greater impact in the near future.

How is Fire Danger Rated?

Emergency officials add a Fire Danger Rating when they issue an alert. Here's what that means:

• Fire Danger Rating is a general assessment of how likely fires are to start and spread based on the weather and fuel conditions. It’s often categorized as low, moderate, high, very high, or extreme.

What to Do If You Get a Fire Weather Watch or Warning

So, what should you do when you see a Fire Weather Watch?

First, be extra cautious with anything that could spark a fire. Take extra care with campfires or grills. If you're using tow chains, make sure they're secured so they don't create sparks on the ground.

Clean up around your home by removing anything that could burn. Clear brush and debris and create a defensible space. Keep those alerts coming on your devices and be ready to adjust your plans if fire conditions get worse.

READ: Could Arizona See Massive Wildfires Like California?

What not to do? Don’t burn anything; no yard waste, no bonfires, nothing. Avoid using equipment that creates sparks, like chainsaws or welding tools. And definitely don’t ignore the alert!!

If you're not already signed up for alerts, you can sign up for the Ready, Set, Go program in Arizona. Scroll down and choose your county.

Sources: AZ Central | Weather Bug | National Weather Service | Ready, Set, Go