Dodge City, KS – Any spark across southwest Kansas could turn into a fast-moving wildfire by midday Tuesday as powerful winds and extremely dry air overspread the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon CST to 8 p.m. CST Tuesday for much of southwest and central Kansas, including Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, Hays, Pratt and Medicine Lodge. Southwest winds will increase to 25 to 45 mph with gusts exceeding 50 mph. Relative humidity will fall as low as 10 percent during peak heating.
The combination of cured grasses, warm temperatures and strong winds will allow fires to ignite easily and spread rapidly. Open areas along U.S. Highway 50, U.S. 83 and U.S. 54 could see rapid fire growth if an ignition occurs. Blowing dust may also reduce visibility in rural areas during the afternoon.
Officials strongly discourage outdoor burning and urge residents to avoid activities that create sparks, including welding or dragging trailer chains. Secure loose items that could be blown into dry vegetation.
Fire danger will peak Tuesday afternoon into early evening. Additional warnings are possible if wind speeds trend higher than currently expected.
