A widespread Fire Weather Watch has been issued across portions of Kansas, Nebraska, and eastern Colorado, with forecasters warning that a combination of strong winds, extremely low humidity, and unseasonably warm temperatures could create dangerous wildfire conditions Saturday.
The National Weather Service offices in Hastings, North Platte, and Goodland all issued alerts early Thursday morning, placing much of north-central and northwest Kansas along with large areas of Nebraska under the watch from late Saturday morning through Saturday night.
Forecasters say southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph are expected during the day Saturday, with gusts ranging from 25 to 40 mph. A strong cold front is then expected to move through Saturday evening, shifting winds to the north and increasing gusts to as high as 40 to 45 mph in some areas.
Relative humidity levels are forecast to drop to critically low levels—between 6 and 15 percent—creating an environment highly favorable for rapid fire growth. In western and north-central Nebraska, temperatures could climb into the upper 80s and mid-90s, adding to the fire danger.
Officials warn that any fires that develop under these conditions could spread quickly and become difficult to control. The abrupt wind shift associated with the incoming cold front may also lead to unpredictable fire behavior.
The Fire Weather Watch includes numerous counties across northern Kansas, including Phillips, Smith, Jewell, Rooks, Osborne, and Mitchell counties, as well as areas stretching west through Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Norton, Thomas, Sheridan, and Graham counties. Large portions of central and western Nebraska are also included.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during this time.
A Fire Weather Watch indicates that critical fire weather conditions are possible. Residents are urged to stay alert for updated forecasts and the potential issuance of Red Flag Warnings as conditions develop.
