BROOKHAVEN — One might have noticed a smoky haze and clouds in the sky this morning indicative of our current weather forecast. Dry conditions have made the area a tinderbox for fire to spread quickly and already the Mississippi Forestry Commission has fought wildfires in Lawerence and Lincoln County this week.

At the same time, a chance of rain is in the forecast although it will not be enough to lift the burn ban for Lincoln County and 44 other counties in Mississippi. National Weather Service in Jackson forecasts a 60 percent chance of showers and possibly thunderstorms today.

Smoke in the air will likely remain until we get a good rain which could come today before 3 p.m. and after 3 p.m. The forecasted rain totals are not much but better than nothing. A tenth of an inch is forecast although totals could be higher in local thunderstorms.

Chances of rainfall drop drastically to 30 percent this evening and will dwindle down to 20 percent Friday morning. Saturday has a 20 percent chance of rain before sunny weather returns Sunday through Wednesday.

Southwest Mississippi is currently in an extreme drought according to the US Drought Monitor but there is hope in the forecast. NWS Jackson shows in the 8 to 14 day outlook that precipitation amounts could return to near normal amounts. However it likely will not be enough to pull the area out of a drought.

NWS forecasts that the drought will likely persist according to a seasonal forecast for the fall which ends on November 30. A substantial amount of rain is needed to turn conditions around.

Due to the dry conditions and wind starting to pick up people are reminded to please heed all burn bans. No outdoor burning of any kind should be attempted and be careful if working with equipment. One spark is enough to start a wildfire.

Brookhaven-Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Reid said earlier this week after responding to a fire that they will enforce the burn ban and people who start fires which causes damage to private property are liable for the damage they cause.

Monticello Fire Department said in a public release Wednesday they believe the 347 acre fire in Lawerence County was accidentally started by equipment being used to prepare for the upcoming hunting season.

For any deer hunters, this weekend looks to have cool mornings and northerly wind for the velvet season.