WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): A rash of brush fires broke out Saturday in Maryland and a large wildfire has charred at least 1,200 acres near Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Despite the unusual snow pattern this winter, with the Carolinas and Deep South cashing in on accumulation not seen in years, the moisture return this winter has been scant. See the images below.

Now, compare the snowfall and moisture content along the East Coast for last winter (images below). At this time last year, there was far less total snow accumulation for the season south of Interstate 64. However, it was one of the top 5 wettest winters on record for the East Coast. This paints a far different picture than where we currently stand with respect to soil moisture content.

So, what’s next? Our spring outlook produced weeks ago shows near average rainfall for the spots where brush fires have been prevalent. There is upside risk for more rain in the far western Carolinas though.

This means until the green up period arrives (leaves develop on the trees, plant life emerges), there will be elevated brush fire risks east of the Appalachians during sunny, breezy days with low humidity.

When will the green up period commence? The date of the final freeze is a good precursor to when the green up period usually gets underway. Historically, that occurs on March 14 for Myrtle Beach, S.C., April 19 for Asheville, N.C., and April 27 in Hagerstown, Md.

So, until then, dry, breezy, sunny days will bring an elevated brush fire risk. It will be a bit curtailed by generous rain-producing systems, but keep in mind, heavy rainfall runs right off into creeks and streams instead of being readily absorbed by the soil.