North Platte, NE – Winds nearing 45 mph and humidity dipping toward 20 percent will create explosive fire conditions across far southwest Nebraska by late Wednesday morning, putting the Frenchman Basin at high risk for rapid wildfire spread.
According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. MST Wednesday for Fire Weather Zone 210, including the Frenchman Basin. Northwest winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph as afternoon temperatures climb near 70 degrees.
A strong cold front will sweep south later in the day, flipping winds abruptly from westerly to northerly. Gusts over 25 mph are expected to continue well into the evening, creating shifting fire behavior that could challenge crews. Isolated showers may develop during the afternoon, producing erratic wind gusts and a stray lightning strike with little rainfall.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and secure equipment that could throw sparks. Any fire that starts could spread quickly across cured grasses through early evening. Additional fire weather alerts may be issued if dry and windy conditions persist.
