Amarillo, Texas – Wildfire conditions will intensify rapidly by noon Thursday across the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles, where wind gusts up to 45 mph and humidity as low as 8 percent could drive fast-moving grassfires through early evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday for Cimarron County in Oklahoma and Dallam County in Texas. Southwest winds will sustain between 20 and 30 mph, with higher gusts capable of pushing flames quickly across open rangeland along U.S. Highway 287 and State Highway 325.
Fuel conditions remain primed for ignition, ranking in the 70th to 89th percentile, placing the fire environment at a 5 out of 10. Officials urge residents to avoid welding, outdoor burning, or any activity that could produce sparks during peak wind hours.
A broader Fire Weather Watch takes effect Friday morning through Friday evening for all Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle counties as similar dry and breezy conditions expand east toward Guymon, Dalhart, and Borger.
The Red Flag Warning expires at 8 p.m. Thursday, but additional warnings could follow if Friday’s winds strengthen as expected.
