Amarillo, TX – Fires could ignite and spread rapidly across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles by midday Saturday as extreme heat and critically dry air take hold.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday for cities including Amarillo, Dalhart, Guymon, and Pampa. Relative humidity will drop as low as 4 percent while temperatures climb into the mid to upper 90s. South to southwest winds will increase to 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph during peak afternoon hours.
The most dangerous window develops between noon and early evening, when heat, wind, and dry fuels align across open rangeland and roadways like Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 287. Fire officials warn that any ignition could spread quickly and become difficult to control.
Conditions remain volatile into Sunday. A Fire Weather Watch is already in place for Sunday afternoon and evening, when winds shift to the north and strengthen to 40 mph, potentially reigniting hot spots and pushing flames in new directions.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning, secure equipment, and eliminate spark risks. The warning remains in effect through Saturday evening, with additional alerts likely into Sunday.
