Red Flag Warning Issued For Atlanta Metro, Nearby Counties

MIAMI, FL — A combination of dry conditions and strong winds prompted the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning for Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett and other nearby Georgia counties on Saturday.

A red flag warning means an increased risk of extreme fires due to a combination of warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds. Saturday's warning affects the entire Atlanta metropolitan area and is in effect from noon until 7 p.m. ET.

The warning also includes the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests.

Relative humidity in the warning area will be below 25 percent Saturday. According to the National Weather Service, sustained winds of 15 mph or higher will also contribute to the increased fire risk. Some areas could see gusts as high as 35 mph.

As a result, outdoor burning is not recommended.