Oklahoma City, OK – Wind gusts approaching 50 mph are combining with extremely dry air Friday to create dangerous wildfire conditions across Oklahoma and parts of North Texas, prompting a widespread Red Flag Warning through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Norman, critical fire weather conditions are affecting central, western and northern Oklahoma along with western North Texas through 9 p.m. Friday. Sustained northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are pushing humidity levels down to 15 to 20 percent, creating an environment where fires could spread rapidly across open land.
Major population centers including Oklahoma City, Lawton, Enid, Stillwater and Ardmore fall within the warning zone, along with North Texas communities such as Wichita Falls and Vernon. Dry grass and dormant vegetation across the region are acting as highly combustible fuel.
Travelers along Interstate 35, Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 81 should watch for smoke or flames near roadways if fires ignite in surrounding fields.
Fire officials strongly urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, delay yard debris fires, and secure trailer chains that could spark along roadways. High winds can quickly push flames across fields and toward structures before crews can contain them.
Conditions should gradually improve after sunset as winds weaken and humidity begins to recover. However, officials warn that elevated fire danger could return if dry and windy weather persists into the weekend.
