It's dry here in the Northwest, but not really hot.  However there are portions of the country that cannot say that.

 

"'We have heat, which continues from the lower four corners where temperatures have averaged up to 8 degree Fahrenheit above normal, northeastward into the upper Midwest," said USDA Meteorologist Eric Luebehusen.

 

He pointed out why this kind of weather can be a problem.

 

"What this captures is an enhanced fire danger, particularly from southern California into the great basin and central Rockies. The areas that are highlighted for the greatest risk of fire danger extend again from southern California, Nevada, western Utah, and up into the southwestern and south central parts of Wyoming. "

 

He added these areas really could use some moisture.

 

"Unfortunately, there really isn't any rain really in the offing for these folks, so the fire danger remains very real across much of the southwestern United States, extending again into the central Rockies."

 

As of September 19th, the National Interagency Fire Center reports 81 active large fires.

 

 

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