What does the stability component of the Haines Index measure?

The stability component of the Haines Index measures the temperature difference between atmospheric layers. This index is particularly crucial for fire behavior forecasting, as it assesses atmospheric stability, which can influence the potential for fire spread. A larger temperature difference between higher and lower atmospheric layers indicates instability. This instability can promote significant vertical movement of air, leading to increased turbulence and potentially fostering conditions that are conducive to rapid fire spread.

Other aspects, such as dew point and moisture levels, while important in fire dynamics, are not addressed specifically by the Haines Index's stability component. Wind velocity variations are also relevant to fire behavior but do not directly relate to atmospheric temperature differences measured by the Haines Index.