North Platte, Nebraska – Any spark across western and central Nebraska could explode into a fast-moving wildfire by midday Tuesday as wind gusts near 55 mph combine with humidity as low as 10 percent through 8 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. MST in the Panhandle and noon CST elsewhere until 7 p.m. MST, or 8 p.m. CST. West winds will increase to 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph in the eastern Panhandle and western Sandhills, including Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Frenchman Basin. Farther east across the Sandhills, Niobrara Valley and Loup Rivers Basin, gusts will reach 35 to 45 mph.
Afternoon temperatures will climb into the upper 60s to mid-70s, creating critically dry fuels. No lightning is expected, meaning any fire ignition would likely be human-caused and could spread rapidly across grassland and rangeland.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and delay any activity that could spark flames. Fire crews warn containment could prove difficult under these wind speeds. The warning remains in effect until 8 p.m., and additional fire restrictions are possible if conditions persist.
