Hastings, NE – Strong winds and extremely dry air are creating dangerous fire conditions across south central Nebraska Sunday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. CDT Sunday for counties along and west of Highway 281, including Valley, Greeley, Sherman, Howard, Dawson, Buffalo, Hall, Gosper, Phelps, Kearney, Adams, Furnas, Harlan, Franklin, and Webster.
Forecasters say southwest winds of 15 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph, are combining with relative humidity levels as low as 10 to 15 percent. This combination creates conditions where fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly.
The National Weather Service warns that any fire that develops may grow quickly and become difficult to control under these weather conditions.
Because of the elevated fire risk, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged throughout the warning area. Even small sparks from equipment, vehicles, or debris burning could potentially ignite fast-moving grass or field fires.
Officials say the warning reflects a dangerous mix of dry vegetation, strong winds, and very low humidity, which together can produce extreme fire behavior in a short amount of time.
Residents are urged to avoid activities that could create sparks, including open burning, and to remain alert for smoke or fire activity in rural areas.
The conditions may also affect agricultural operations and outdoor work, particularly during the late afternoon hours when winds and dryness are expected to remain elevated.
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