Goodland, KS – Fires could spark and spread within minutes across northwest Kansas and eastern Colorado this afternoon as powerful winds and extremely dry air peak before sunset.
According to the National Weather Service in Goodland, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. MDT (9 p.m. CDT) Tuesday, with west-southwest winds sustained at 15 to 25 mph and gusts reaching 45 mph. Relative humidity is expected to drop as low as 14 percent, creating ideal conditions for explosive fire growth.
The highest risk spans Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, and Graham counties in Kansas, along with Kit Carson and Cheyenne counties in Colorado. Communities along Highway 40 and Interstate 70 could see rapidly changing wind directions this afternoon, increasing concern for unpredictable fire behavior. A cold front shifting north will cause winds to pivot, then turn northwest overnight, complicating suppression efforts.
Drivers are urged to avoid parking or driving on dry grass, especially along rural roads and shoulders. Officials stress securing tow chains, checking brakes, and never discarding cigarettes outdoors.
Any spark could trigger a fast-moving grassfire capable of jumping roadways. Fire conditions ease after sunset, but additional advisories could follow if dry, windy patterns persist into midweek.
