Omaha, Nebraska – A spring heat surge with gusty winds and dangerously dry air is creating volatile fire weather across northeast Nebraska, prompting a Red Flag Warning for Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, gusts up to 28 mph and humidity below 25% will drive High to Very High Fire Danger, especially in Antelope and Knox counties. Dry grasses and vegetation, combined with temperatures nearing 90°F Tuesday, make open burning or careless sparks especially risky. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor flames and stay alert for emergency updates.
The warning is part of a broader hazardous outlook covering much of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, where warm, breezy conditions will persist through midweek. Tuesday will bring highs near 89°F in Omaha and upper 80s across surrounding counties. Winds will continue to intensify through Wednesday, with another spike of gusts reaching 34 mph by Thursday afternoon.
While storms are possible Wednesday night, the risk of lightning could compound fire threats before rain arrives. Outdoor work crews, campers, and rural residents should remain vigilant and keep water sources or extinguishers nearby.
Looking ahead:
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 89°F, gusts to 28 mph
- Wednesday: Chance of thunderstorms, high 90°F
- Thursday: Breezy, high 79°F, gusts to 34 mph
- Friday: Mild, high 76°F
- Saturday: Chance of storms, high 77°F
