Goodland, Kansas – Any spark could turn into a fast-moving wildfire by late Sunday morning as strong winds and bone-dry air sweep across the Tri-State region.
According to the National Weather Service in Goodland, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. MST (noon CST) until 5 p.m. MST (6 p.m. CST) Sunday for northwest Kansas, eastern Colorado and southwest Nebraska, including Yuma, Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Rawlins, Sherman, Dundy, Hitchcock and Red Willow counties.
Southwest winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph while relative humidity drops as low as 10 percent. Those conditions create rapid fire growth potential, especially in open fields and along roadways.
A Fire Weather Watch is also in place for Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. Forecasters warn southwest winds could strengthen to 30 to 40 mph with gusts reaching 65 mph. A cold front may shift winds west during the afternoon, increasing volatility and fire spread rates.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and never park vehicles on dry grass. Even routine activities can ignite fast-moving grassfires under these conditions.
The Red Flag Warning expires Sunday evening, but attention quickly turns to Tuesday, when stronger winds could produce extreme fire behavior across the region.
