Rain continues to stay away from much of Florida's peninsula, prompting the National Weather Service to issue both red flag warnings and fire weather watches in the wake of a cold front.

Red flag warnings are in effect for east central Florida.

A fire weather watch has been issued for several counties along the east coast in South Florida.

Low humidity and gusty winds, combined with existing drought conditions, have prompted the weather advisories.

Here's what you should know.

Red flag warnings issued for east central Florida

A red flag warning has been issued for a large part of east central Florida.

Residents can expect wind gusts of 20 to 25 mph and a relative humidity of 20% to 35% as vegetation continues to dry, the National Weather Service Melbourne posted of X, formerly known as Twitter.

What counties are under a red flag warning?

South Florida under fire weather watch

There are "elevated fire weather concerns" as existing drought conditions combine with today's low humidity and winds of 10 to 15 mph, the National Weather Service Miami posted on X.

"Outdoor burning is NOT recommended."

What counties are under a fire weather watch?

What is a fire weather watch?

A fire weather watch is issued when confidence is lower that conditions will reach the point of extreme fire danger. If there's more certainty, a red flag warning is issued, according to Robert Molleda, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service Miami in a call Friday morning.

Criteria that are factors in the decision have to do with humidity and wind, although available fuel also is considered. Humidity of 35% or lower and winds of 15 mph or greater are used to determine weather a fire weather watch or red flag warning will be issued. If the humidity is low and the winds are high, or expected to occur shortly, a red flag warning is issued.

If there's more uncertainty on those two criteria, but it's possible, a fire weather watch is issued.

"Today, the humidity will easily reach the criteria below 35% Molleda said. But winds are expected to decrease as the day continues.

"It all has to do with timing. There could be a couple of hours late morning or early afternoon" where conditions could warrant a red flag warning. "There's just more uncertainty today.

"Be very careful out there. Be very, very mindful of the threat. It's too dry out there."

The next chance of rain for the area won't be until next week, when there's a 20% to 30% chance for rain on Tuesday, March 25, and a 20% chance on Wednesday.

What is a red flag warning?

A red flag warning is issued when "critical fire weather conditions" are in place.

"A red flag warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger," the National Weather Service said.

Brush fire in Miami-Dade County grows to 25,000 acres

Firefighters with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service continued Thursday to battle a brush fire in south Miami-Dade County.

The fire has burned 25,000 acres and was 30 percent contained as of 8:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the Florida Forest Service.

Officials have urged residents to watch for road closures. Card Sound Road remains closed in both directions, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

"We advise residents that live or commute close to the area and have a health condition to take precautions and limit exposure," Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue said on X.

People with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activity and keep their windows closed.

Heading to the Florida Keys? What to know about brush fires, smoke, road closures

The 25,000 acre brush fire in southern Miami-Dade County could affect your trip to the Keys.

U.S. 1 was closed briefly — known as the 18-Mile Stretch — has been closed intermittently this week as firefighters battled the wildfire. Wednesday afternoon, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said motorists could expect lengthy delays along an 18-mile stretch of U.S. 1, according to the Associated Press.

As of 6 a.m. Friday, Card Sound Road remains closed to all traffic in both directions, but the 18-Mile Stretch is open, according to the Florida Keys Sheriff.

"We urge residents and commuters to avoid the area due to heavy traffic delays and to prevent further congestion," said Daniella Levine Cava, mayor of Miami-Dade County on X.

Burn bans in effect for several Florida counties

What should you do — or not do — under a red flag warning?

Current drought conditions in Florida

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index average for Florida is 314 on a scale from 0, which is very wet, to 800, which is very dry.

As of Thursday, March 20, there are 10 Florida counties with an average Keetch-Byram Drought Index over 500, which means drought or increased fire danger. Another 15 of Florida's 67 counties have index numbers in the 400s.

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Wildfire and smoke tracker: Active wildfires in Florida

Everyday wildfire prevention tips

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