Above average temps expected for summer

Tim Troutman with the National Weather Service out of Riverton said we may have a very active wildfire season if the weather predictions for the next few months hold true.

Troutman said we are looking for a continued trend toward above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation for the next three months, making the conditions ripe for wildfires.

Average precipitation for the Thermopolis area in June is 1½” with temperatures averaging 77 degrees for highs and lows around 46 degrees.

For this June, he indicated highs will probably be in the 80’s with lows in the 40’s.

July and August average upper 80’s with lows in the 50’s, however this year those highs will be closer to the 90’s with lows dropping to the upper 50’s.

Less precipitation and hotter temperatures leads to dryer conditions which, in turn, leads to grasses and weeds drying out sooner, becoming quick fuel for a wildfire.

Troutman said spring burning is typical, but those who are burning fields or fence lines need to wtay with their burn and keep an eye on it.

Folks are already heading to the mountains for camping and the same safety precaution should be used there, as well, making sure any campfire is kept within a stone ring and make absolutely sure the fire is out before leaving the area the next day.

Winds add to the situation and any winds above 15 m.p.h. can cause things to get out of hand quickly, picking up embers and tossing them about where they could end up causing an unexpected flare.

There are things residents can do preemptively when it comes to wildfire season.

Clear leaves from your gutters, porches and decks to keep them from possibly igniting your home should embers be carried in the air.

Get that dead vegetation and other items out from under the porch or deck, moved at least 10 feet from your home. Be sure firewood or propane tanks are 30 feet away from buildings.

Keep your lawn hydrated and don’t let lawn cuttings linger.

As with any kind of fire situation, be sure you and your family have an emergency plan.

Before you burn, check the weather for the day through the National Weather Service at weather.gov/riverton. There you will find fire weather forecasts along with regular forecasts and it can actually be narrowed down to a specific area.

If you have any weather related questions, please feel free to call the Riverton office at 800-211-1448.