Officials say afternoon relative humidity values today (March 30, 2024) are expected to drop below 35 percent across the entire area, and below 30 percent for much of the Tennessee Valley.

In addition to the low humidity values, gusty winds will be possible area-wide this afternoon of 20 to 25 mph. Some higher gusts will be possible, mainly north of I-40.

As such, fire danger levels will be elevated this afternoon through the early evening hours.

Remember, you must have a burn permit until May 15, 2024, to do any outside burning.

Burn permits are free and can be obtained quickly and easily at www.BurnSafeTN.org or by using the MyTN mobile app. Online permits are issued 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Eastern and Central time zones, depending on your location.

Permits are available for burning leaf and/or brush piles and for prescribed fires, including broadcast burning for various purposes such as land clearing, forestry, and agricultural applications.

If you burn, use extreme caution and stay with the fire until it is completely out.