Fire weather
New! Check out our new live KBDI map.
The Keetch–Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is used to assess and predict wildfire potential and severity. Calculated once a day based on rainfall, air temperature and other meteorological factors, KBDI values represent the net effect of evapotranspiration and precipitation relating to the flammability of organic material in the ground. The index ranges from zero, the point of no moisture deficiency, to 800, the maximum drought that is possible. The higher the number, the greater potential of wildfires igniting easily and spreading rapidly.
Fire weather resources
The following weather links are outside of the Forestry Commission’s website and will open in a new window. If the first link doesn’t work try an alternate site.
National Weather Service Fire Weather
1. Charleston (CHS) –Alternate Site 1.
Forecast Images
2. Columbia (CAE) – Forecast also includes some Georgia counties.
Alternate Site 1, Alternate Site 2.
Forecast Images
3. Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP) – Forecast also includes some Georgia and North Carolina counties. Alternate Site 1.
Alternate Site 2 Forecast Images
4. Wilmington (ILM) – Forecast also includes some North Carolina counties. Alternate Site 1, Alternate Site 2.
Forecast Images
Common National Weather Service abbreviations
Detailed fire weather – Fuels, fire danger, preparedness, outlooks etc.
National Weather Service in Columbia
The National Weather Service measures transport winds in MPH rather than knots. Use the table below to determine category day.
| Smoke Management Category Day | Afternoon Ventilation Rate * |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0 – 17,249 |
| 2 | 17,250-34,499 |
| 3 | 34,500-51,749 |
| 4 | 51,750-68,999 |
| 5 | 69,000 or greater |
*Ventilation rate equals transport wind speed multiplied by mixing height.
Transport wind speed is measured in MPH and mixing height is measured in feet.
Click on county for today’s fire weather forecast. If the link fails try the alternate site above.