Austin is in for a brief cold snap, disappearing as quickly as it arrives. Yet this 48-hour brush with lower temperatures, combined with breezy winds and parched vegetation, poses a tangible wildfire threat across Central Texas.

Local officials are urging residents to skip personal fireworks this New Year’s Eve due to ongoing burn bans and unusually dry conditions. Their message is simple: leave the fireworks to professionals and prevent needless fire hazards.

As temperatures soar and winds whip through dry fields, central California faces an elevated fire danger. Local fire agencies are gearing up for what could be a busy summer wildfire season.