Amarillo, TX – Fire danger is surging across the Texas Panhandle today as strong winds and dry air fuel conditions ripe for rapid fire spread.
The National Weather Service in Amarillo issued a Red Flag Warning through 9 p.m. Saturday for several counties across Texas and Oklahoma. Winds are gusting up to 40 mph and humidity levels may drop as low as 9%, creating ideal conditions for wildfires, especially along major roadways like US-287 and US-60.
According to the NWS, affected counties include Potter, Randall, Carson, and Gray in Texas, and Beaver and Cimarron in Oklahoma. Southwest winds between 15 to 25 mph are expected throughout the day with peak gusts reaching 40 mph this afternoon.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning, use caution with machinery, and secure any items that could spark or spread flames. Even a small ember can lead to fast-moving wildfires under these conditions.
Looking ahead, Sunday will bring relief with cooler, calmer air and highs near 68°F under mostly sunny skies. Winds will ease, shifting from the northeast at 10 to 15 mph.
Five-Day Forecast for Amarillo, TX:
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 68°F, northeast wind 10-15 mph.
- Monday: Sunny and mild, high 69°F, southeast wind 10-20 mph.
- Tuesday: Breezy and warm, high 84°F, gusts up to 40 mph.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 69°F.
- Thursday: 20% chance of showers, high 67°F.
