Amarillo, TX – The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the western and central Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday due to dangerous fire weather conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, strong southwest winds between 25 and 35 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph, will combine with relative humidity as low as 9% to create an extreme fire risk. The affected areas include Cimarron and Texas counties in Oklahoma, as well as Dallam, Sherman, Hansford, Hartley, Moore, Hutchinson, Oldham, Potter, Carson, Deaf Smith, Randall, Armstrong, and Palo Duro Canyon in Texas.
The Red Flag Threat Index is expected to range from 4 to 7 in the western Panhandle and 3 to 5 in central areas, indicating heightened fire danger. Officials warn that any outdoor fires could spread rapidly under these conditions.
Residents are urged to avoid activities that could ignite fires, such as outdoor burning or operating equipment that produces sparks. Local authorities recommend keeping fire extinguishing materials readily available and remaining vigilant for any signs of smoke or fire.
For more updates and safety information, visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov/ama.
