ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Central Florida Thursday afternoon, including all east central counties, through 6 p.m.

A Red Flag Warning is a signal that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will soon. This means that the combination of low relative humidity and strong winds can lead to extreme fire behavior. Such conditions can be dangerous, as they increase the likelihood of wildfires spreading rapidly and becoming difficult to control.

Adding to the concern is the drier-than-normal weather we’ve been experiencing. Central Florida is currently facing a rainfall deficit between 1-3 inches this year.

This lack of precipitation is fueling worries about fire risks and has led to the latest drought monitor showing worsening conditions. Most of the area is now classified under a moderate drought, which highlights the urgent need for caution.

As we navigate these dry conditions, it’s important to consider how we care for our yards.

With daylight saving time upon us, it’s a good reminder that watering days increase from one to two days per week. To conserve water and maintain healthy lawns, consider watering in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.

Typically many counties share the same schedule:

• Odd Address: Wednesday & Saturday

• Even Address: Thursday & Sunday

• Non-Residential: Tuesday & Friday