Hastings, NE – High winds and low humidity are combining to create critical fire conditions across much of Nebraska on Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, impacting areas from Ord to Hebron and from McCook to Concordia, KS. Gusts are forecast to reach 30 to 45 mph, with relative humidity dropping as low as 15%, creating ideal conditions for fires to ignite and spread rapidly.
Cities such as Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings, and Holdrege will experience sustained winds between 20 to 30 mph, with gusts exceeding 40 mph during the afternoon. These conditions are expected to be most dangerous between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., when both wind speeds and dry air peak.
A Fire Weather Watch is already in place for Sunday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., as northwest winds persist and relative humidity remains critically low. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged across the region.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, avoid open flames, and remain alert for local emergency updates. Fire crews remain on standby as conditions escalate across central and southern Nebraska.
