Goodland, KS – Any spark across northwest Kansas, eastern Colorado and southwest Nebraska could explode into a fast-moving wildfire by midday Wednesday as winds ramp up and humidity crashes to critical levels.
According to the National Weather Service in Goodland, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. MST (noon CST) through 7 p.m. MST (8 p.m. CST) for Cheyenne and Sherman counties in Kansas; Yuma, Kit Carson and Cheyenne counties in Colorado; and Dundy, Hitchcock and Red Willow counties in Nebraska. Northwest winds will increase to 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, while relative humidity drops near 17 percent.
The strongest winds are expected first in Yuma County early this afternoon before spreading east across the remainder of the High Plains. A strong cold front will sweep through by mid to late afternoon, shifting winds to the north-northwest and creating erratic fire behavior that could complicate suppression efforts.
High-based showers and isolated thunderstorms may develop, producing little rainfall but posing a dry lightning threat and sudden wind shifts.
Officials urge residents to comply with burn bans, avoid parking on dry grass and secure tow chains to prevent sparks. Any fire that starts could spread rapidly through early evening, and additional advisories may follow if conditions persist.
