Kristen's Classroom: When is Texas' wildfire season?
AUSTIN (KXAN) - Cooler temperatures behind our recent cold front is a treat most can agree on but, what's the downside? The wildfire concerns that come with the change.
Gusty northeast winds, ongoing drought and dry air (low humidity) will result in high to very high fire danger across Central Texas today. With 40+ days of rain-free skies in Austin, finer fuels across the area will make it easy for any ignited wildfire to spread rapidly.
If you were to ask a meteorologist when is Texas' wildfire season, the answer would most likely be end of summer. Why? Intense summer heat and limited rainfall (without tropical help) would leave us most susceptible to wildfires.
This year follows that pattern. As of this morning, most of Central Texas is currently under a burn ban.
But the reality is, there is no "season" for wildfires in Texas. Any month, any day could favor weather conditions that allow fires to grow rapidly. Even in the winter. In fact, our largest wildfire in state history occurred earlier this year in the Panhandle - February 2024.
When we look locally, February is typically Austin's driest month, only averaging less than 2 inches. This coincides with more frequent colder airmasses which hold relatively drier air.
Unfortunately, humans start ~90% of wildfires. Whether intentional or accidental, mitigation of wildfires comes down to human behavior.