GOODLAND, Kan. – A spark could turn into a fast-moving wildfire within minutes Tuesday as winds roar across the High Plains and humidity crashes into single digits. Fire crews across northwest Kansas, eastern Colorado, and southwest Nebraska are preparing for rapid fire spread beginning late Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Goodland, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. MST (11 a.m. CST) until 8 p.m. MST (9 p.m. CST) Tuesday. West winds will increase to 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph. Relative humidity will fall as low as 9 percent, creating explosive fire growth potential.
The most dangerous conditions include Cheyenne, Rawlins, Sherman, Wallace, Greeley, Dundy, Hitchcock, Yuma, Kit Carson, and Cheyenne counties. Southwest winds will shift west behind a cold front during the afternoon, and blowing dust may reduce visibility near open fields.
Officials urge residents to comply with burn bans, avoid parking on dry grass, and secure trailer chains. Any fire that ignites could spread rapidly out of control. The warning expires Tuesday night, but elevated fire danger may continue into midweek if dry conditions persist.
