Elko, NV – A Red Flag Warning has been issued for White Pine and Nye counties in northeastern Nevada, signaling critical fire weather conditions on Friday. The warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with strong southwest winds expected to reach 15 to 25 mph, and gusts up to 35 mph. Relative humidity could drop as low as 7%, increasing the likelihood of rapidly spreading wildfires.
According to the National Weather Service in Elko, the combination of high winds and low humidity creates an environment where any spark can quickly ignite and spread out of control. Residents are urged to practice fire safety by properly discarding cigarettes, keeping vehicles off dry grass, and ensuring campfires are fully extinguished. Obeying burn bans and securing vehicle chains to prevent sparks is also critical.
Looking ahead, the forecast for Elko shows clear skies and high temperatures through the weekend. Saturday’s high is expected to reach 91°F, with temperatures rising slightly to 92°F from Sunday through Tuesday. By Wednesday, temperatures are forecasted to drop slightly to a high of 88°F. Given the ongoing dry conditions, residents should remain vigilant about fire safety throughout the week.