North Platte, NE – A Red Flag Warning has been issued for much of West Central Nebraska. The warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. CDT today until 8 p.m. CDT due to the threat of dangerous fire conditions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that the affected areas include the Eastern Panhandle, Sandhills, Niobrara Valley, and the Frenchman Basin. Wind gusts could reach up to 30 mph with humidity dropping to 15 percent. Temperatures will rise to the upper 70s, creating the ideal environment for fires to ignite and spread.
According to the NWS, no lightning is expected, but any fire that starts could spread rapidly, making it difficult to control. Residents should avoid outdoor burning and be cautious with equipment that can spark fires.
