It was an ordinary day. Reading an article in my morning newspaper titled "Area Again Under Red Flag Warning!" Seems the risk of wildfires is up as drought conditions in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania continues to parch county and region. The story in my morning newspaper reads: Lancaster County will be under another red flag warning today, indicating an increased risk of wildfires as warm, dry conditions persist. Last month was the second-driest October on record, with just 0.04 inches of rain falling in the county, and this week the county reached record high temperatures. The National Weather Service issued the red flag warning to let people know strong winds, low relative humidity and dry conditions could make any small fire, such as a backyard trash fire, spread out of control. The weather service says the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires is high and recommends residents refrain from outdoor burning until the warning is lifted. The warning runs from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Winds this past Thursday were blowing west at 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph with relative humidity falling as low as 38%. Forecasters said today's high temperature likely will be near 70 before dropping into the high 50s Saturday and Sunday and rising into the mid-60s Monday. Lancaster County is experiencing a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and neighboring Berks and Chester counties are in a severe drought. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection placed Lancaster County under a drought watch Nov. 1. Drought conditions have led several county municipalities to ask residents to voluntarily conserve water and have been a factor in recent brush fires. The red flag warning covers nine counties in south-central Pennsylvania. The county may be in for a small measure of relief Sunday, as forecasters say there is about a 75% chance of light afternoon rain. LDub says, "I'll believe it when I see it and feel it!" And...I just might have to stand outside in the rain just to see what rain feels like once again. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
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