Amarillo, TX – Any spark across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles could explode into a fast-moving wildfire by late Tuesday morning as 65 mph wind gusts and dry air take hold.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday for Cimarron, Texas and Beaver counties in Oklahoma and much of the Texas Panhandle, including Amarillo, Dumas, Borger, Pampa, Canyon and Palo Duro Canyon. Southwest winds will increase to 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph while relative humidity drops as low as 14 percent. Afternoon temperatures will climb into the 70s and low 80s.
Fuel conditions remain highly receptive, with energy release components in the 70th to 89th percentile. That combination of dry grasses, strong winds and warm temperatures will support rapid and erratic fire growth.
Communities along U.S. Highway 287, Interstate 40 and U.S. 83 should remain alert for blowing dust and rapidly changing fire conditions. Officials strongly discourage outdoor burning and urge residents to secure trailer chains, avoid parking on dry grass and properly dispose of cigarettes.
Fire danger will peak Tuesday afternoon, and additional warnings are possible if winds exceed current projections.
