Burn ban still in effect despite weekend rain

Vernon County public safety officials say it's still not safe to burn trash or debris outdoors, even though some rain was received in Vernon County on Saturday.

Vernon County Sheriff Ron Peckman said he had received several inquiries about burning over the weekend, but emphatically noted that extremely dry conditions still exist, and the likelihood of brush fires is still very high.

Firefighters say the risk will remain very high until "significant" rain falls; noting that until things turn green, the county-wide advisory against burning will remain in effect.

It's a big concern for local firefighters, who have responded to about 100 brush and grass fires since Jan. 1.

The National Weather Service warned this morning that hazardous fire weather conditions are expected today across southwestern Missouri and southeastern Kansas, including Vernon County.

The NWS hazardous weather outlook for today says, "Surface moisture will be on the low side today across much of the region. Meanwhile, wind speeds will increase to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph by this afternoon. Given persistent dry conditions, the combination of these gusty winds with relative humidity near 30 percent will result in hazardous fire weather conditions."

Thunderstorms are expected tonight as well, with hail that may reach golf ball size possible in some areas.