Flint Hills Prescribed Fire Update May 1, 2020
Meteorology
Normal to above normal temperatures were seen throughout the last week within the Flint Hills. Last Friday (April 24) was the coolest day with highs only in the 60s to low 70s with cloudy skies and scattered showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures steadily rose over the weekend with highs on Monday (April 27) and Tuesday (April 28) reaching into the mid 70s to lower 80s. Showers or thunderstorms occurred each day in some part(s) of the Flint Hills each day up until Wednesday (April 29). Temperatures were a bit cooler on Wednesday behind a cold front, but still seasonable with highs in the 60s. Back on the warming trend to end the work week with highs on Thursday (April 30) in the 70s and forecast highs today (May 1) in the 80s for most.
Fires and Smoke
The combination of periodic showers and thunderstorms, breezy conditions, and otherwise strong green-up across the Flint Hills region led to minimal prescribed burning activity throughout the week. Even days when lighter winds and clear skies occurred prescribed fire activity was well below levels seen in prior weeks. The precipitation this past week with warm temperatures has likely increased the pace for green growth throughout the region, and thus expect prescribed fire activity to continue to wane.
This will be the final routine weekly update for 2020, however a final 2020 summary will be provided in the coming week(s) after final burn acreage analysis is completed.