Amarillo, Texas – Fire danger is escalating across the southern Plains on Monday as strong winds, extremely low humidity, and dry fuels combine to create critical wildfire conditions from the Texas Panhandle into eastern Colorado and western Oklahoma. Officials warn that any fire that starts could spread rapidly during the afternoon and early evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from late morning through early evening for much of the Texas Panhandle, including Potter, Randall, Carson, Gray, Wheeler, and Palo Duro Canyon. West winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts near 40 mph, will coincide with relative humidity dropping as low as 10 percent. Similar conditions are expected farther north in southeastern Colorado, where the National Weather Service in Pueblo reports gusty winds and humidity near 12 percent across Pueblo, Otero, Las Animas, and Crowley counties through the afternoon.
In western Oklahoma and parts of western north Texas, the National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Red Flag Warning from midday through late afternoon. Temperatures climbing into the lower 80s, combined with southwest winds and very dry air, will heighten the threat in areas including Roger Mills, Beckham, Harmon, and Hardeman counties.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning, secure chains on trailers, and use extreme caution with any activity that could spark a fire. Warnings remain in effect through Monday evening, and additional fire weather alerts may follow if dry and windy conditions persist.
