Woodward, OK – Western Oklahoma faces a heightened fire threat Saturday as strong winds and low humidity trigger a Red Flag Warning across several counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Norman, the warning will remain in effect from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. CDT Saturday, March 29. The alert includes Harper, Woods, Ellis, Woodward, Roger Mills, Dewey, Custer, Beckham, Harmon, Greer, and Jackson counties in Oklahoma, as well as Hardeman, Foard, Wilbarger, Knox, and Baylor counties in western North Texas.
Forecasters expect southwest winds between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts reaching 30 mph. Relative humidity levels may drop as low as 12 percent, creating ideal conditions for rapid wildfire spread.
Officials caution residents against outdoor burning and urge extreme caution with any heat-producing equipment or open flames. Fuel moisture levels remain in the 70th to 89th percentile, and the fire environment is rated 6 out of 10 in severity.
Emergency responders advise having evacuation plans ready and staying alert to local emergency notifications. Fire weather conditions of this level are uncommon for late March but not unprecedented given regional dryness and seasonal wind patterns.
