TOPEKA/WICHITA, KS – Local weather authorities have issued a widespread Red Flag Warning for much of central and northern Kansas, effective today, Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Residents are being urged to exercise extreme caution as a dangerous combination of high temperatures, gusty winds, and low humidity creates a “tinderbox” environment across the state.
The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Topeka, Wichita, and Hastings have all synchronized their warnings, citing extreme grassland fire danger. The warning is scheduled to remain in effect from noon today through 9:00 PM CST this evening.
A Volatile Forecast
Meteorologists are tracking a potent weather setup that could lead to rapid fire spread if any ignitions occur. Key factors for today include:
- Strong Winds: Sustained southwest winds of 20 to 35 mph, with powerful gusts reaching up to 50 mph in some central corridors.
- Low Humidity: Relative humidity levels are expected to plummet to between 10% and 25%, drying out dormant vegetation and “fueling” potential blazes.
- Unseasonable Warmth: Temperatures are forecast to climb into the mid-to-upper 70s and low 80s, significantly higher than typical February averages.
Impacted Kansas Counties
The warning covers a massive swath of the state, including but not limited to:
- North Central/Northeast: Republic, Washington, Marshall, Cloud, Clay, Riley, Ottawa, and Dickinson.
- Central: Russell, Lincoln, Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, and McPherson.
- South Central: Reno and Kingman.
- Northern Tier: Phillips, Smith, Jewell, Rooks, Osborne, and Mitchell.
Emergency Recommendations
Public safety officials are strongly discouraging all forms of outdoor burning. Under these conditions, even a small spark from a cigarette, a trailer chain dragging on the pavement, or a backyard fire pit can transform into an uncontrollable wildfire within minutes.
“Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly,” the NWS Topeka office warned in its morning bulletin. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
Local fire crews have been placed on high alert. Residents are encouraged to report any smoke or fire immediately to 911 and to ensure that all flammable materials are secured away from homes and structures.
