Delta Junction under Red Flag Warning through Sunday

Any new wildfires in the Delta Junction area could spread rapidly and prove difficult to control this weekend, the Alaska Division of Forestry warned Friday as the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions. The warning runs from noon to 10 PM Saturday and Sunday.

A Red Flag Warning means conditions are occurring or will occur that could lead to the development of large and dangerous fires. It is directed toward fire agencies and through them to the public.

The warning follows a Fire Weather Watch and arrives during Interior Alaska's typical late spring-summer wildfire season, when snow-free conditions, dry vegetation, and warm temperatures increase fire risk.

South winds will blow 20 to 30 mph Saturday with gusts to 45 mph, then strengthen Sunday to 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 55 mph. Relative humidity will drop to 20 to 25 percent both days. Temperatures will reach the mid-to-upper 70s.

Saturday is expected to be the warmer day, with lower relative humidity values. Winds are expected to be stronger on Sunday. The one limitation to critical fire weather conditions will be the influx of moisture coming in from the south on Sunday. Critical fire weather conditions will be minimal from Saturday night through Sunday morning with moderate overnight recovery expected.

The National Weather Service issued a similar Red Flag Warning for Delta Junction on May 26 due to low humidity, gusty southerly winds, and dry fuels.