There is an elevated risk for wildfires today and Monday as there is a Red Flag Warning in effect 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on both days.

A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce high fire danger with an increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours.

Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Lake Charles office, said the ongoing “exceptional drought” has created very dry vegetation across much of the region.

She said Southwest Louisiana residents should avoid activities that cause open flames or sparks, properly discard of cigarettes, avoid parking on dry grass and check trailers for dragging chains.

Fires can spread rapidly in these conditions, Stigger said.

Above-average temperatures in the mid-90s are expected throughout the week.

“While we would love to box up these mid 90’s to put away until next year, they remain in the forecast until the end of the week,” said Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Lake Charles office.