Lubbock, TX — Critical fire weather conditions are in place across Lubbock and much of the South Plains this weekend, as unseasonably warm, dry, and windy weather continues just days before Christmas.
According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, December 20, for most of the South Plains. The warning highlights an elevated risk for rapid wildfire spread due to a combination of very low humidity, gusty winds, and warm temperatures.
Forecasters say west to northwest winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour, with gusts up to 35 mph, will develop through the day. At the same time, relative humidity levels may drop as low as 10 percent, creating ideal conditions for fires to ignite and spread quickly.
Temperatures will add to the concern, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 70s and low 80s across the region. Lubbock is expected to reach around 82 degrees, while nearby locations such as Brownfield (81°) and Aspermont (85°) approach levels that could challenge daily records for late December.
The National Weather Service urges residents to avoid any activities that could produce sparks, including outdoor burning, welding, or parking vehicles on dry grass. Cigarettes should be properly extinguished, and any existing fires should be completely put out.
While the warm and sunny weather may feel pleasant for the weekend before Christmas, officials stress that fire danger remains the primary concern, especially in rural areas with dry vegetation.
Conditions are expected to remain dry into the holiday week, meaning fire weather concerns could persist if winds increase again. Residents are encouraged to stay alert and report any signs of wildfire immediately.
