BAY MINETTE  — Despite the cold temperatures, a fire warning is in effect for Bay Minette and surrounding areas.

   The National Weather Service has issued a red-flag warning until 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, and from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, for north Baldwin County.

   “A red-flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly,” states the alert on the National Weather Service website. “A combination of strong winds and low relative humidity will create enhanced fire-growth potential.”

   According to the NWS, the alert comes as a result of cold, dry air heading into north Baldwin County today and remaining through Tuesday.

   “Despite cool daytime temperatures, very dry air will result in relative humidities dropping into the teens each afternoon,” the alert states. “Breezy northwest winds will continue today before diminishing on Tuesday.”

   Today is sunny, and temperatures are expected to top out at 42 degrees, with 10-15 mile-an-hour winds. Tonight’s low will be 18 degrees.

   Tuesday, skies will be clear with temperatures reaching 48 degrees. But that’s only after 20-30 degree wind chills.

   Tuesday night won’t be quite as cold, as temperatures only drop to 29 degrees under partly-cloudy skies.