Drought and gusty winds increase wildfire risk Monday

March 23, 2026

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Outdoor burning is discouraged on Monday.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Elevated wildfire risk is expected across Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky on Monday, prompting officials to discourage outdoor burning.

A moderate drought is currently affecting southern and western parts of the Midsouth, while Nashville and surrounding areas marked in yellow are considered abnormally dry.

Dry conditions will persist across parts of Middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky.

On Monday, much drier air will move in behind a cold front.

Gusty northwest winds ranging from 10 to 20 mph, with higher gusts into the 20s, are also expected.

With limited recent rainfall, low humidity, and breezy conditions, any outdoor fire could spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

Due to these factors, residents are urged to avoid burning brush, starting campfires, or using fireworks on Monday.

Although rain chances will stay low in the short term, more widespread scattered showers are expected to return by Friday.

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