Memphis, TN — Residents across the Mid-South are being urged to avoid outdoor burning Thursday as dangerously dry vegetation and low humidity create conditions favorable for grass fires across portions of Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. The greatest concern is expected between noon and 7 p.m. Thursday, with elevated fire danger continuing into next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a Fire Danger Statement highlights the potential for grass fires to ignite and spread Thursday afternoon. Communities including Memphis, Jackson, Dyersburg, Jonesboro, Oxford, Tupelo and surrounding areas are within the affected region.
Relative humidity is expected to fall sharply Thursday, reaching just 21% in Batesville and Oxford, Mississippi, 22% in Tupelo and Tunica, and 25% in Memphis and Jonesboro, Arkansas. These low humidity levels, combined with dry vegetation and limited recent rainfall, increase the potential for fires to start…