Weather

Forecasters issue Matanuska Valley fire weather watch

With warm temperatures, gusting winds and low levels of humidity predicted, National Weather Service forecasters in Anchorage have issued a fire weather watch for the Matanuska Valley for Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Officials with the weather service said winds would reach sustained speeds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts of up to 35 mph, even as humidity levels dropped as low as 30 percent. Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid 40s.

"As temperatures rise in the afternoon, humidities may drop to around 30 percent," the weather service wrote. "The stronger winds will also be present in the afternoon and into the evening, but as temperatures drop in the evening, humidities will rise back up."

National Weather Service forecaster Perry Dehne said "it's a little early," for a fire watch, noting the agency usually issues them in April.

He blamed region's early vulnerability to fire on this winter's lack of snow.

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