Goodland, Kansas – Critical fire weather conditions are expected Sunday across western Kansas and Nebraska, prompting Red Flag Warnings through late afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Goodland, Cheyenne and North Platte, southwest winds between 15 and 25 mph — with gusts up to 30 mph in Nebraska and up to 45 mph in parts of Kansas — combined with relative humidity levels as low as 12 to 15 percent will create conditions favorable for rapid wildfire growth.
The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. MST (noon CST) until 5 p.m. MST (6 p.m. CST) Sunday for multiple fire weather zones across western Kansas and much of western and north central Nebraska. Near-record high temperatures in Nebraska, reaching up to 69 degrees, are also contributing to the elevated risk.
Forecasters warn that any fires that ignite could spread quickly and become difficult to control. Officials urge residents to comply with local burn bans and avoid activities that could create sparks, including driving on dry grass or discarding lit cigarettes.
A Fire Weather Watch that had been in place for parts of the region has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning.
The alert may affect rural communities, agricultural operations, and highway travel corridors across the High Plains during peak afternoon hours.
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