Amarillo, Texas – Wind gusts up to 55 mph and humidity near 8 percent could push any spark into a fast-moving wildfire by late morning across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday for the entire Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, including Potter, Randall, Deaf Smith, Moore and Gray counties in Texas and Cimarron, Texas and Beaver counties in Oklahoma. Southwest winds will increase to 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph as temperatures climb into the mid-60s to mid-70s.
Communities including Amarillo, Canyon, Borger, Pampa, Dalhart and Guymon face extreme fire behavior potential, especially in open rangeland and near Palo Duro Canyon. Strong crosswinds along I-40, U.S. 287 and U.S. 87 could rapidly drive flames across roadways.
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening as west to northwest winds gust to 40 mph and humidity falls near 9 percent.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains and delay welding or equipment use that could create sparks. Energy Release Component values remain in the 70th to 89th percentile, signaling receptive fuels. Additional warnings could be issued if conditions intensify Thursday.
