How changes in weather conditions have increased wildfire risks across the U.S. and Mid-Missouri

It might not come as a surprise to many that we've seen increased wildfire chances across much of the United States, and even here in Missouri the last several years.

87% of those wildfires are actually started by human activities with only 13% caused by lightning. Human activities combined with increased weather conditions could promote these wildfires risk. When looking at annual fire weather days, western portions of the United States have the most issues.

In Mid-Missouri , things aren't looking too much better. Fire weather days are days with windy, dry, and hot conditions which leads to increased risks of wildfires. Much of the Midwest is increasing their risks, including Mid-Missouri.

Central Missouri is seeing four days on average of increased likelihood of adequate conditions to spread wildfires if started . When looking at one of the more important factors consisting of drier conditions, you might wonder, "Where are we at?"

The latest drought monitor from last Thursday shows northern portions of Mid-Missouri still in some drier than average conditions, but this is better than what we've seen in the last several months where we actually had some moderate and severe drought creeping back into the area.

When looking a little bit further ahead, there is good news for us to continue to stay where we currently sit at with healthier conditions.

The current 6-10 day away precipitation outlook forecasts wetter than average conditions with increased chances of rain ahead. This is due to a more active atmosphere across much of the Central U.S.