Amarillo, Texas – Fire crews and residents across the Texas Panhandle could face rapidly spreading wildfire conditions Saturday afternoon as very dry air combines with gusty winds and unusually warm temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, critical fire weather conditions are expected from noon until about 8 p.m. Saturday, particularly across the northwestern Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. Sustained southwesterly winds of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts between 25 and 30 mph, could allow any fire that starts to spread quickly across dry grassland.
Communities including Dalhart, Stratford, Boise City, and Guymon sit within the highest wildfire risk zone. Meanwhile, much of the central and eastern Panhandle—including Amarillo, Borger, Pampa, and Canadian—will experience elevated fire danger as warm and dry conditions persist.
Afternoon temperatures will climb well above average. Highs are expected to reach the low to mid-80s across most of the Panhandle, including around 84°F in Amarillo and near 85°F in Borger, with some locations having a 40–65% chance of tying or breaking daily record highs. Palo Duro Canyon could reach about 88°F.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and secure trailers or equipment that could spark fires along highways such as Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 287.
Fire weather conditions will ease later Saturday evening as winds weaken, though dry conditions may continue to keep wildfire risk elevated across the region.
