Dodge City, Kansas — Powerful winds and extremely dry air are triggering a Red Flag Warning in far southwest Kansas, increasing the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, critical fire weather conditions are expected Thursday afternoon and again Friday across Morton County in far western Kansas, where strong winds and very low humidity will combine to create dangerous wildfire conditions.
The first Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. CST Thursday, with another warning issued from noon to 7 p.m. Friday for the same area.
Forecasters say southwest winds will range from 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph. At the same time, relative humidity could drop as low as 13 percent, creating extremely dry conditions that allow fires to ignite and spread quickly.
Meteorologists warn that any fire start could grow rapidly and become difficult to control under these conditions. Strong winds can push flames quickly across dry grassland while also carrying embers long distances, increasing the risk of new spot fires.
Because of the elevated wildfire risk, officials strongly discourage any outdoor burning during the warning periods.
A Red Flag Warning indicates that critical fire weather conditions are occurring or expected shortly, typically caused by the combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures.
Local emergency officials often urge residents to avoid activities that could produce sparks, including burning debris, operating equipment that generates heat, or discarding cigarettes outdoors.
The warning primarily affects Fire Weather Zone 084, including Morton County near the Colorado border, one of the driest areas of southwest Kansas.
For commuters, agricultural workers, and students traveling through rural areas, blowing dust and smoke from potential grass fires could also reduce visibility along open highways.
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