ORLANDO, Fla. — Spring is almost here, but dry weather conditions have already arrived to Central Florida.
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2½ weeks without rain across metro Orlando, plus gusty winds over 35 mph and low humidity is bringing a Red Flag Warning through 7 p.m. Friday.
A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger, the National Weather Service said.
Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry said outdoor burning is not recommended this weekend either as Saturday will still be a warm and breezy day.
But it will not be as gusty as Friday.
We’ll also see a few showers and a 20% coverage of rain as a weak front drifts into our area late Saturday.
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It’s been abnormally dry since December, so a moderate drought continues for most of Central Florida, keeping our fire threat high until the wet season begins in late May.
The Florida Forest Service and U.S. Department of Interior officials said fires can be prevented with these nine steps:
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1. Check water and drought conditions.
2. Clear debris.
3. Build a campfire in an open area far from flammables and douse the fire until it’s cold.
4. Practice vehicle safety and avoid parking on dry grass.
5. Keep equipment sparks away from the grass.
6. Check conditions before using fireworks.
7. Trim trees.
8. Check your tires, bearings and axles on your trailer.
9. Keep an emergency supply kit handy in case you need to evacuate quickly.
The Cox Media Group National Content Desk contributed to this report.
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