Kansas City, Missouri – Fires could spread within minutes across eastern Kansas and western Missouri today as dry air and gusty winds peak during the late afternoon and early evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, a Red Flag Warning remains active until 8 p.m. Friday, with another round set from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday. Relative humidity is expected to drop as low as 15 percent while sustained winds hold between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph.
The warning covers a wide stretch of the region, including Kansas City, Overland Park, St. Joseph, and surrounding counties such as Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Johnson. In these areas, even a small spark along roadways like I-70, I-35, and I-29 could ignite fast-moving grass fires. Rural zones and open fields face the highest risk.
Emergency officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and delay any activity that could create sparks. Power equipment and grills should be used cautiously, especially during peak wind hours between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Conditions briefly ease overnight, but another surge of dry air and shifting southerly winds Saturday will renew the warning. Additional warnings could be issued if conditions intensify into the weekend.
