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BE AWARE: High Risk of Wildfire Present in West Michigan

Warm temperatures, low humidity levels, high winds and dry vegetation lead to an increased risk of wildfires.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After several dry days the risk of wildfires has dramatically increased and West Michigan will remain at risk until rain returns on Saturday afternoon.

The fire weather risk reached the very high category on Tuesday

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Observed Fire Weather Risk - April 11, 2023

As a result, a Fire Weather Watch was issued for Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Credit: 13 On Your Side
Fire Weather Watch - April 11, 2023

The risk for wildfires remains very high for Wednesday and Thursday, and perhaps Friday as well.

Credit: 13 On Your Side
Fire Weather Risk for Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Credit: 13 On Your Side
Fire Weather Risk for Thursday, April 13, 2023

A Fire Weather Watch is issued for a combination of warm temperatures, low humidity levels, high winds and dry vegetation.

The Michigan DNR has restricted of prohibited outdoor burning as of Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in most of Lower Michigan.

Here's what the different fire weather alerts mean:

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Fire Weather Alert Definitions

See what you can do to prevent wildfires below:

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Fire Weather Alert Actions

As always, watch the 13 On Your Side team of meteorologists for the very latest on weather conditions and how it will affect your spring clean up plans.

Chief Meteorologist George Lessens

George is a graduate of Penn State University working for 13 On Your Side for over 42 years. He is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM), a twelve-time MAB® Weathercast Award Winner and two-time EMMY® Award Winner.

Contact me at: GeorgeLessens@13OnYourSide.com

Follow me on Twitter @glessens and Facebook GeorgeLessensWZZM

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