Dodge City, Kansas – After several calm days, southwest Kansas is seeing a noticeable uptick in wind Sunday as breezy southwest flow brings warmer and much drier air into the region, raising fire weather concerns in parts of the area.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, southwest winds will increase through the late morning and afternoon, with sustained speeds around 20 mph and gusts reaching 25 mph at times. The strongest winds are expected across far western Kansas, including areas near Garden City, Scott City, Ulysses, Liberal, and Dodge City.
These winds will help push temperatures well above normal for early January while also lowering relative humidity, especially across far western counties. The combination of warm temperatures, dry air, and gusty winds may elevate grassland fire danger, particularly in areas with dry fuels. The highest concern remains in the Red Flag–prone areas highlighted by forecasters, where fires could spread quickly if ignited.
While winds ease heading into tonight and into the start of the workweek, the warm and dry pattern is expected to persist. Monday and Tuesday look calmer, allowing temperatures to remain mild without the added wind impact.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning today, properly dispose of cigarettes, and use caution with any equipment that could produce sparks. Conditions improve slightly as winds diminish later today, but elevated fire danger may continue to be monitored as the warm pattern holds across southwest Kansas.
