If you like the warm temperatures, I can assure you, you're not alone. The unseasonably warm trend will take us through this week; however, the combination of dry and windy conditions could spark a fire threat for Wednesday.

Wednesday looks to be the warmest day of the week. A couple of factors will come together for a really warm afternoon.



1. Winds: The winds at the surface will be out of the southwest for Wednesday. Traditionally this is a warming wind, and it should be strong due to the pressure gradient. Notice the are of low pressure to the north. This will do battle with a surface high toward the southeast; however, the distance between the low and high is relatively small, making for a stronger wind at the surface! This will yield a strong pressure gradient force.




2. 850 Temperatures: We'll see a warming trend throughout the atmosphere. The 5,000 ft level is a good indicator of warming and cooling trends since this level doesn't experience the diurnal range associated with the rising and setting of the sun. The winds at 850 mb will be around 35 to 40 knots, which will help to increase the winds at the surface.

3. Dry Vegetation: A part of forecasting that doesn't usually get mentioned is how vegetation can impact surface temperature. Without evapotranspiration from green vegetation, the atmosphere remains relatively dry; a dry atmosphere heats up quicker.

Wednesday will be warm and windy, but please be careful of outdoor burning. A fire danger threat could become an issue!