The National Weather Service (NWS) Miami issued a red flag warning for most of South Florida — Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties — as relative humidity values could drop as low as 30 percent and southwesterly winds could ramp up, increasing the risk of fires developing and spreading.
"With most of South Florida already under drought conditions, this will lead to critical fire weather concerns Thursday afternoon," NWS warns.
Brian McNoldy, a researcher at University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, says it's wildfire season in the Magic City. "By the end of the dry season, things are usually pretty crispy," he tells New Times. "This winter has been especially dry, amplifying that risk."Low RH values and breezy SW winds on Thursday will result in critical fire conditions. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for much of South FL tomorrow from 11 AM until 8 PM. #flwx pic.twitter.com/l0CaXbcPbd
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) March 19, 2025
Meanwhile, firefighters are still battling a large brush fire that broke out on Tuesday in Southwest Miami-Dade, leading to the shutdown of Card Sound Road and the 18-mile stretch of U.S. 1 in both directions toward the Florida Keys.
"[Miami-Dade Fire Rescue] continues working alongside [Florida Forest Service] to contain the brush fire near the 40800 block and Card Sound Road," Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter on Wednesday. "The fire is approximately 4,000 acres, with 20 percent contained. Although the fire is not near any commercial or residential areas, we urge our community to stay informed about any possible road closures and stay safe."
People with respiratory conditions should try to limit their expose to the smoke, according to MDFR. Additional road closures are possible as workers try to put out the fire.#MDFR continues working alongside @FLForestService to contain the brush fire near the 40800 block and Card Sound Rd. The fire is approximately 4,000 acres, with 20% contained.
— Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (@MiamiDadeFire) March 19, 2025
Although the fire is not near any commercial or residential areas, we urge our community to stay… pic.twitter.com/Pt2bF9jLL7
"Keep your vehicle windows closed and run your air conditioner on recirculate to keep the air inside the vehicle as clean as possible," fire rescue urges.
