Dodge City, Kansas – Strong winds and critically low humidity are combining across southwest Kansas this morning, creating an immediate fire weather risk that could escalate rapidly through the afternoon hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, wind gusts will increase steadily through late morning, peaking between noon and 5 p.m. with speeds reaching 35 to 47 mph across cities including Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, and Ulysses. At the same time, relative humidity will drop sharply, falling as low as 7 to 13 percent during peak heating hours.
The most dangerous overlap occurs mid-afternoon when places like Elkhart and Ulysses could see gusts near 46–47 mph paired with humidity near 8 to 10 percent. Along U.S. 50, U.S. 83, and U.S. 54, these conditions can allow fires to ignite and spread quickly, especially in open grassland areas.
Agricultural operations and any outdoor burning should be avoided. Even small sparks from vehicles or equipment could trigger fast-moving fires under these conditions. Drivers, especially those in high-profile vehicles, should prepare for sudden crosswinds on east-west roads.
Winds will begin to ease after 7 p.m., with humidity gradually recovering into the evening. Fire danger remains elevated until conditions improve later tonight, and additional alerts may be issued if conditions worsen.
