A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Apache, Coconino, Navajo, northern Gila and Yavapai Counties for today. Very Dry and Windy Conditions are expected as a cold fron t moves through the Great Basin. Southwest winds from 15 to 25 MPH with gusts reaching up to 40 MPH will combine with single digit humidity levels and produce Critical Fire Weather Conditions across northern Arizona. The Red Flag Warning will be in effect until 7 PM this evening.

From Friday through Sunday very dry weather will continue. Afternoon wind speeds are expected to be slower than what is experienced Wednesday and Thursday.

Jim Zornes from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and ordered temporary closures in the Sitgreaves National Forest. Promontory Butte Area and the area known as Rodeo Chediski and Show Low South Hazardous Fire Conditions Closure Area have been ordered closed as of 12:01 am on June 19, 2013 and will remain in effect until July 31, 2013 unless rescinded before that date. The purpose of these closure is “to protect public and fire fighter health and safety, and protect government property, private property and natural resources during high to extreme fire conditions”.

Detailed area descriptions, and maps can be found in the Forest Closure Orders on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the following areas: Apache County, Coconino County, Navajo County, northern Gila County and Yavapai County. Very dry and windy conditions will develop Wednesday as a dry cold front moves through the Great Basin. Southwest winds from 15 to 25 MPH with gusts reaching 30 to 40 MPH will be widespread by early Wednesday afternoon. these winds will combine with single digit relative humidity values and high fire danger to create Critical Fire Weather conditions.

Breezy and dry conditions will persist Thursday and Friday as well, although winds will not be quite as high. Only localized Critical Fire Weather conditions are expected at this time.