Hundreds of thousands of people are under warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) on Monday morning as temperatures surge as much as 25 degrees above average in some places, creating dangerous wildfire conditions across the U.S.
Red Flag Warnings are in effect across several parts of the United States Monday, as a combination of dry air, gusty winds and temperatures running well above seasonal averages creates dangerous wildfire conditions.
Fire weather warnings are being issued primarily across portions of the central Plains, Rockies and Southeast, where vegetation remains dry and warm, windy conditions could allow any fires that spark to spread rapidly. The elevated fire danger comes as parts of the country continue to see unseasonably warm temperatures for early February, particularly across the southern and central U.S.
Red flag warnings are currently in place for Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico.
Texas Wildfire Risk
In Amarillo, Texas, temperatures are surging as high as 25 degrees above levels more typical of February, NWS meteorologist Trent Hoffeditz told Newsweek. For example, the high on Monday could hit the low 80s. Usually for this time of year, the high is around 55 degrees, he said.
Although some snow fell across the region earlier in the winter, the grasses have since dried out. When coupled with above-average temperatures and strong winds, wildfires become a risk.
“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” NWS Amarillo said in the red flag warning.
Oklahoma Wildfire Risk
In Oklahoma, red flag warnings are in place for the entire panhandle and into the northwestern part of the state. Impacted areas include Boise City, Gage, Woodrow, and Beaver.
“Elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions are forecast across much of Oklahoma and western-north Texas on Monday afternoon and early evening,” the NWS office in Norman, Oklahoma, said in the red flag warning.
Winds were expected to gust as high as 35 mph, with temperatures surging into the low 80s.
Colorado Wildfire Risk
Parts of southern, central, and northern Colorado are under a red flag warning through Monday evening, including areas along the Front Range and eastern plains. The NWS office in Pueblo cited relative humidity dropping into the single digits, combined with west winds gusting up to 35 mph, creating conditions favorable for rapid fire growth.
Affected cities include Pueblo, Woodland Park, and Fort Collins, among others.
Wyoming Wildfire Risk
Fire weather warnings have been issued for portions of southeastern Wyoming, including in Cheyenne, where strong winds and low humidity are expected to overlap with dry fuels. Forecasters warned that any fire starts could become difficult to control under the current pattern.
Kansas Wildfire Risk
In western Kansas, the NWS has flagged critical fire weather conditions as warm temperatures, dry air and gusty winds move across the High Plains. Officials urged residents to avoid outdoor burning and activities that could spark a fire.
Nebraska Wildfire Risk
Parts of western and central Nebraska are also included in red flag warnings, with forecasters pointing to above-normal temperatures and persistent winds as key drivers of the elevated fire threat.
“The combination of low relative humidity and gusty winds through this afternoon, will lead to critical fire weather conditions across the Sandhills,” the NWS office in North Platte said in the red flag warning. “Westerly winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph are expected across the western Sandhills, with gusts of 25 to 30 mph further east across the Sandhills. Winds will turn northwest late afternoon.”
New Mexico Wildfire Risk
Northeastern New Mexico is facing elevated fire conditions on Monday, with forecasters in Albuquerque warning of strong winds and “very low humidity.”
“This will increase the risk of rapid fire spread, and a Red Flag Warning has been issued for these critical fire weather conditions,” NWS Albuquerque said in a forecast.
Temperatures Running Above Normal
The heightened fire danger is being reinforced by unseasonably warm temperatures, especially across the southern Plains, Rockies and parts of the West.
Although Hoffeditz told Newsweek that a cold front will bring temperatures closer to normal levels across the Amarillo, Texas, forecast region overnight on Monday, overall forecasting trends look as though temperatures will remain high for this time of year. Looking forward, NWS Climate Prediction Center outlooks show that above-average temperatures will likely remain in place across much of the U.S., including the Plains and Rockies, through February 22 at least. States at the highest chance of above-average temperatures include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
