Petal, MS Severe Weather Alertstar_ratehome

1235 PM CDT Wed Oct 21 2026

...INCREASED FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS EXPECTED THIS WEEK FOR
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS, NORTHEAST LOUISIANA AND MUCH OF MISSISSIPPI...

According to local forestry agencies and the U.S. Forest Service,
recent longstanding drought conditions have led to extremely dry
fuels, making outdoor burning increasingly hazardous. Conditions
are such that a spark from equipment, the heat from a catalytic
converter, or any heat source could start a grass or brush fire.
The combination of dry fine fuels, such as grass, and low relative
humidity will continue to result elevated fire danger across the
region this week.

Minimum relative humidity values will range from upper teens to
below 30 percent during the daytime hours the next couple of days,
supporting increased fire danger given the longstanding drought
conditions and extremely dry and wildfire prone fuels. 20ft winds
remain light during this timeframe.

These extremely dry conditions will support the spread of
wildfires, even with light winds. Outdoor burning and activities
that involve open sparks or flames are discouraged and extra
caution is advised with any open burning. Please report all
wildfires to local law enforcement as soon as possible.

Numerous counties and parishes are under local burn bans at the
present time. Fires place local forestry agencies, fire departments,
and other fire control agencies in life threatening situations,
and can endanger communities. Please use caution and help prevent
forest and grass fires.