Dodge City, KS – A heightened wildfire risk is expected across Kansas and Nebraska as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches through Tuesday evening.
According to the NWS in Dodge City, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT Monday for counties including Stanton, Grant, Haskell, Gray, Ford, Kiowa, Pratt, Morton, Stevens, Seward, Meade, Clark, Comanche, and Barber. Strong southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, along with relative humidity as low as 9%, will create critical fire weather conditions. A Fire Weather Watch is also in place for Tuesday afternoon and evening.
The NWS in North Platte, NE, has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Panhandle, Sandhills, and southwest Nebraska from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT Sunday. The warning covers areas such as the Eastern Panhandle, Crescent Lake NWR, Sandhills, Valentine NWR, Nebraska National Forest, Frenchman Basin, and the Loess Plains. West winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, and humidity as low as 14% will contribute to dangerous fire conditions.
In northwest Kansas, including counties such as Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Norton, Sherman, and others, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon MDT (1 p.m. CDT) to 7 p.m. MDT (8 p.m. CDT) Sunday. Winds will range from 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, and humidity levels dropping to 10-15%.
Officials strongly advise against outdoor burning and urge residents to follow local fire restrictions. The combination of dry conditions, high winds, and low humidity increases the likelihood of fires spreading rapidly. Residents are encouraged to secure tow chains, avoid driving on dry grass, and properly dispose of cigarette butts to prevent accidental ignitions.
Stay updated with the latest fire weather warnings by checking the National Weather Service website and local emergency management advisories.
