Forecasters say conditions ripe for wildfires this week

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) – Forecasters say weather conditions will be ripe early this week for the spread of wildfires throughout central and northeastern Oklahoma.

The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for Monday and Tuesday as south winds return this week along with much warmer temperatures. The watch extends into northwestern Arkansas for both days.

Forecasters say afternoon relative humidity values should fall below 25 percent in some locations – resulting in dangerous fire weather conditions.

Residents in central Oklahoma can expect wind gusts near 40 miles per hour on Monday and Tuesday.

A chance of showers and storms returns to Oklahoma by midweek.