Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Warm temperatures near 75 degrees combined with wind gusts up to 40 mph could send any grassfire racing across western and central Oklahoma by late morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Norman, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday for much of western, northern, central and southwestern Oklahoma, along with parts of western North Texas. Southwest winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph as relative humidity drops between 10 and 15 percent. A Fire Weather Watch continues from Thursday morning through Thursday evening, when humidity could fall as low as 7 percent.
The highest risk includes Oklahoma City, Lawton, Enid, Woodward, Clinton and Stillwater, as well as Wichita Falls and Vernon in Texas. Dry grasses along I-40, I-35 and U.S. 183 could allow fires to spread quickly under strong crosswinds.
Officials strongly discourage outdoor burning and urge residents to avoid welding, secure trailer chains and keep vehicles off dry grass. Energy Release Component values rank in the 70th to 89th percentile, signaling receptive fuels.
Fire danger will remain elevated through sunset Wednesday, with another critical round possible Thursday. Additional warnings may be issued if conditions intensify.
