A red flag warning was issued for Lake Mead and surrounding areas on Monday, with officials cautioning that weather conditions would be conducive to the spread of fires.
Why It Matters
“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said in its red flag warning for the area. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S., provides water to millions across Nevada, Arizona, California and parts of Mexico.
What To Know
The red flag warning that was in effect for parts of southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona said that southwest winds between 15 and 25 mph—occasionally gusting up to 35 mph—would combine with a low humidity of just 3 percent to 8 percent to foster prime wildfire conditions.
“A red flag warning mean that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now… or will shortly,” the NWS said, adding that the combination of high winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures can lead to extreme fire behavior…