No strong winds, please

A cold front will cross the Carolinas later tonight and early Thursday, and some computer models indicate Friday could be a very breezy day across the region.

We wouldn't want that.

Gusty winds Friday would be a problem for two reasons -- a fire threat across the entire region; and trouble for those planning to drive to the mountains and see the colorful leaves this weekend.

You don't need me to tell you how dry it's been recently. Many of us are praying that the cold frontal passage will trigger enough showers or thunderstorms to moisten the ground -- to either water the grass seed that some of us have planted, or make it wet enough for the lawn-work procrastinators to get their aerating and seeding done.

It's not likely, because there doesn't seem to be much chance of significant rain.

Very dry conditions since mid-August have put us in a position where gusty west or northwest winds could create a big-time wildfire threat. We've been lucky so far, with only a handful of wildfire outbreaks in recent weeks.

For those planning trips to the mountains this weekend, a windy Friday could ruin some of the color show by blowing leaves out of the trees. This figures to be one of the most colorful weekends of autumn 2010 in the North Carolina high country.

We should know more about the wind threat by Thursday morning.