Amarillo, TX – A Red Flag Warning has been issued for the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, with critical fire weather conditions expected from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT on Thursday. Strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures will create a high risk of rapid fire spread.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, the affected areas include Cimarron and Texas counties in Oklahoma, as well as Dallam, Sherman, Hartley, and Oldham counties in Texas. Winds are forecasted to reach 20 to 30 mph from the southwest, with gusts up to 40 mph. Relative humidity levels may drop as low as 12%, significantly increasing fire danger.
Officials warn that the Red Flag Threat Index ranges from 3 to 5, indicating moderate to high fire danger. Residents are urged to take precautions and avoid activities that could ignite fires, such as outdoor burning, welding, or using equipment that may generate sparks.
The combination of high winds and dry conditions can cause fires to spread quickly, making firefighting efforts challenging. Authorities advise staying informed through local emergency channels and monitoring updates from the National Weather Service.
For further information, visit www.weather.gov/ama or follow local fire weather alerts.
