Intensifying dryness across Deep South Texas has prompted the introduction of Exceptional Drought (D4) in parts of Jim Hogg & Brooks Counties with Extreme Drought (D3) across all of Mid/Upper Rio Grande Valley and the Northern Ranchlands with the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update. Cold front passage will lead to critical fire weather conditions this weekend due to abundant cured fuels, blustery conditions and falling relative humidity values. While all of Deep South Texas should stay fire weather aware, residents in the D3 and D4 zones should be especially vigilant for any rapid, uncontrolled wildfire spread 🌬️⚠️ Please avoid all outdoor burning. One spark is all it takes for rapid, uncontrolled wildfire spread in these conditions 🚫🔥 Keep vehicles off dry grass and properly discard cigarettes. Welding, grinding, and other activities should be done on dirt or paved areas, well away from high grass or brush. As Smokey Bear says, "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires." The best wildfire is the one that never starts! Be Firewise. Spread the word on prevention. Learn more at https://smokeybear.com and https://firewise.org.