Amarillo, Texas – Strong winds and extremely dry air are creating dangerous wildfire conditions across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST Friday for much of the region due to a combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures.
Forecasters expect southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, conditions that can quickly push small fires out of control. Relative humidity may fall as low as 9 percent, creating critically dry conditions across grasses and other fuels.
Temperatures are expected to range from the mid-60s in the far western Panhandles to the mid-70s and upper-70s farther east, further drying vegetation throughout the day.
The warning covers multiple counties across both states, including Cimarron and Texas counties in Oklahoma and numerous Texas Panhandle counties such as Dallam, Sherman, Hartley, Moore, Potter, Randall, Gray, Carson and Deaf Smith, along with the Palo Duro Canyon area.
The National Weather Service said fire conditions rank high on regional fire-danger scales, with fuel dryness between the 70th and 89th percentile and overall fire environment levels rated 7 out of 10.
Officials warn that any fires that start could spread rapidly, especially in open grassland areas common across the Panhandles.
Residents are strongly urged to avoid outdoor burning or activities that create sparks, including welding, equipment use in dry grass, or unattended campfires.
For commuters, strong crosswinds may also affect travel on open highways such as U.S. 287, U.S. 83 and Interstate 40 through the Panhandle region.
Authorities say residents should report smoke or fire immediately and remain alert for rapidly changing fire conditions throughout the day.
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