What is often noted during periods of critical fire weather conditions?

During periods of critical fire weather conditions, very low relative humidity is often noted. Low humidity means that the air contains less moisture, which can lead to drier fuels and an increased potential for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly. When relative humidity drops, the moisture in plant materials and surfaces decreases, making them more combustible. This is a crucial factor that fire personnel monitor because it directly affects fire behavior. Additionally, low humidity can result in higher evaporation rates, further drying out vegetation and increasing fire intensity. Understanding this relationship between humidity and fire behavior is essential for effective fire management and response planning.