Red Flag Warning issued for western Nebraska, southeast Wyoming Monday
The Fire Weather Watch for Monday has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning across western Nebraska and southeast Wyoming. Temperatures in the 70s, low humidity and wind gusts up to 55 mph could create dangerous fire conditions.
By News Channel NebraskaSIDNEY, Neb. — A Red Flag Warning has been issued for western and north-central Nebraska and southeast Wyoming Monday as warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds create critical fire weather conditions.
The National Weather Service offices in North Platte and Cheyenne said the warning will be in effect from late Monday morning through the evening.
In western and central Nebraska, the Red Flag Warning runs from 11 a.m. CDT (10 a.m. MDT) to 8 p.m. CDT (7 p.m. MDT) Monday. In the Nebraska Panhandle and southeast Wyoming, the warning is in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. MDT.
Forecasters expect west to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph in Nebraska, while parts of the Panhandle and southeast Wyoming could see gusts between 35 and 55 mph.
Relative humidity levels are expected to drop as low as 11 to 19 percent, with the driest conditions west of Highway 83. Afternoon temperatures are forecast to climb into the mid to upper 70s — well above average for early March.
The Red Flag Warning covers large portions of western Nebraska, including the Nebraska Panhandle, Sandhills and areas around the Niobrara Valley and Frenchman Basin.
Officials warn that any fires that develop could spread rapidly under these conditions and will be difficult to control.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during the warning period.
Additional fire weather concerns may return later in the week. Forecasters say conditions Wednesday could again elevate fire danger, with the highest threat expected Thursday afternoon when strong west winds could gust between 45 and 55 mph across western Nebraska.