Dry and Windy Weekend Could Be Recipe For Fire Danger in Acadiana

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - A strong cold front will sweep across much of the southern region this weekend, and many willl want to light the first fire in the fire pit of the season, but you want to hold off.

Look, I know that the summer months were brutal, and many of us have been waiting for that first strong cold front of the season, but we willl need to be cautious this weekend.

If you've been waiting to put on a hoodie and sit by a fire in your backyard or on your patio, you're not the only one, but this weekend may not be ideal for that.

Louisiana Cold Front

According to our colleague Daniell Philips at Acadiana Weather First, as the cold front moves in, north winds will be 15-20 mph, and humidity will drop to 35%. With such low humidity, everything will be very dry, as we haven't received much rain in recent weeks.

And here's where the fire danger comes into play. With high winds, cooler nights, and very dry conditions, it may not be wise to light the season's first outdoor fire. Like you, I am tempted, but under these conditions, it may not be safe to light an open fire this weekend in South Louisiana.

I spoke to Alton Trahan with the Lafayette Fire Department about the fire threat this weekend in Acadiana, and here's what he said:

"With winds increasing over the weekend, use a fire pit with caution, as strong winds can blow hot embers and ignite grass, dead leaves, and potentially your home. Monitor fire pits at all times."

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So, if you feel inclined to light a fire this weekend with the much cooler weather entering Acadiana, do so in a fire pit, not as a large open fire. And coming from someone who grew up with a fire chief in the house as a kid and teen, always keep a water source nearby when you light a fire.

Here's Daniel's forecast for the upcoming weekend, and yes, we will gladly accept the first bit of cold air of the season.