Wichita, Kansas – Any spark across central Kansas could turn into a fast-moving grassfire after noon Tuesday as wind gusts approach 50 mph and humidity drops below 20 percent.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. CST Tuesday for Russell, Lincoln, Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, McPherson, Reno, and Kingman counties. Southwest winds will increase to 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph in central Kansas. Farther south toward Hutchinson and Kingman, winds will reach 20 to 30 mph with gusts near 45 mph. Relative humidity will fall as low as 19 to 23 percent during peak afternoon heating.
Communities including Salina, Hutchinson, Great Bend, McPherson, and Russell face extreme grassland fire danger. Dry winter grasses combined with strong winds will allow flames to spread rapidly and change direction quickly.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Residents should avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, secure trailer chains, and postpone any activity that could create sparks.
Conditions will improve after 9 p.m., but elevated fire danger may continue if dry and windy weather persists midweek.
