Dodge City, KS – Fires could spread rapidly across southwest Kansas within hours as winds strengthen and humidity drops sharply by early afternoon Tuesday, creating volatile conditions for any spark.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, a stationary front lifting north will allow warmer air to surge into the region by midday, pushing temperatures into the low to mid-70s. At the same time, sustained winds increase to 20–25 mph, while relative humidity falls to as low as 20–25 percent—meeting elevated fire weather thresholds.
Dodge City, Garden City, and Liberal will see the most critical overlap between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., when wind gusts peak near 25 mph and humidity bottoms out near 20 percent. Areas along U.S. Route 50 and U.S. 83 face the highest risk, where open fields and dry grasses can ignite and spread quickly.
In Hays and Pratt, slightly higher humidity may limit fire intensity, but winds near 20 mph still pose a concern for controlled burns. Emergency managers urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and delay any activity that could generate sparks.
Conditions begin to ease after sunset as winds weaken and humidity recovers, but fire risks may persist into early evening. Additional advisories could be issued if conditions intensify further.
