A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for some area counties.

According to a release from the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, a Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.

Strong southwest winds, low relative humidity, warm temperatures and dry vegetation are predicted to combine to promote elevated fire-weather concerns across portions of southwest and central Missouri.

The National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill has issued the watch until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14.

Wind gusts are expected to be 25 to 30 miles per hour, with the humidity level at 30 percent or lower.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Affected areas include Cooper, Howard and Pettis Counties in the KMMO listening area. Bates, Henry, Linn and Randolph are some of the other counties in the Fire Weather Watch area.