Critical fire conditions blanket East Texas on March 15. (National Weather Service/Courtesy Photo)

Unusually windy and dry weather across the state is pushing dusty air from West Texas into the Piney Woods, and aggravating already high wildfire risks.

While the scenes from West Texas on Friday — violent gusts flipping semi-trucks and a brown-out of dust — are not in the cards for East Texas, residents running chores or enjoying the spring heat have likely noticed the low visibility.

The dusty air carries risks, too.

Smith County is currently experiencing unhealthy air quality according to the The Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index. Meanwhile, the air in Gregg County and other eastern counties is unhealthy for sensitive groups, a less severe air quality tier.

When air quality is in the “unhealthy” range, everyone who is active outdoors may experience effects, the EPA stated. Members of sensitive groups, including children, the elderly and those with asthma, are likely to experience more serious cardiovascular and respiratory effects, ranging from a cough and test tightness, to increased risk of blood clots.

More information on air quality risks and risk management is available at airqualitytexas.org.

When air quality is “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” the general public is unlikely to experience noticeable health effects from day-to-day activities, but reducing heavy exertion is still recommended. Sensitive groups should remain indoors if possible, according to the EPA.

Wildfire watch

A lack of humidity has snatched moisture from trees and foliage leading to several small wildfires in Northeast Texas, including two ongoing blazes in Cass County, according to the Texas A&M University Forest Service.

The Cass County fires are 57 acres and 2 acres in size and both are 90% contained as of Saturday morning, the TAMU Forest Service reported.

All of East Texas was experiencing “Extreme Fire Weather Conditions” through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service, which is advising area residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure tow chains, avoid driving over tall grass and properly dispose of cigarettes in order to avoid sparking a wildfire.

However, weather forecasters have some good news. East Texas could see relief from the extended dry spell beginning next Sunday when chances of precipitation increase markedly through the end of March.

Cooler and drier conditions are settling into the region in wake of a cold front that will slide southeast through the area, with abundant sunshine returning Sunday. Temperatures will climb into the mid 60s to near 70 Sunday, according to NWS.