A dangerous fire weather pattern has prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue warnings across 12 states, cautioning of extreme wildfire risks due to strong winds and low humidity.
Fire conditions are intensifying across Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Florida. These warnings signal an increased threat of rapidly spreading wildfires, urging residents to avoid outdoor burning and remain vigilant. The alerts are in effect as of March 17, 2025, for the entire day, depending on the region.
Critical fire weather conditions will persist both today and tomorrow along and west of the I-35 corridor. Dry and breezy weather may lead to the initiation and spread of wildfires. Stay weather aware and avoid activities that can lead to wildfires! #dfwwx #txwx pic.twitter.com/4GT1MVfCF4
— NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) March 17, 2025
The NWS warns that a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation creates an environment where fires can spread rapidly. Wind gusts ranging from 25 to 65 mph, along with humidity levels as low as 6% in some areas, have heightened concerns.
Kansas: Multiple zones under Red Flag Warnings. Some warnings expire Monday evening, while others extend into Tuesday. Dodge City zones have warnings until 8 p.m. CDT Monday and another from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. CDT Tuesday. Goodland zones have warnings until 7 p.m. MDT Monday.
🔥Red Flag Warning Monday!🔥
Another day of very dry weather and windy conditions is expected to create the potential for dangerous wildfires on Monday. Please be careful not to drag chains or park on dry grass. Properly dispose of cigarettes, too. #nmwx #txwx pic.twitter.com/N3f0CCxdM8— NWS Midland (@NWSMidland) March 16, 2025
Texas: Red Flag Warnings are in effect across different regions for both Monday and Tuesday. Amarillo zones are under warning until 9 p.m. CDT Monday, with another warning Tuesday. Fort Worth and San Angelo zones have warnings until 10 p.m. CDT Monday, with a Fire Weather Watch for Tuesday.
Oklahoma: Warnings are active for both Monday and Tuesday. Tulsa zones have warnings until 10 p.m. CDT Monday, with a Fire Weather Watch for Tuesday. Norman zones have warnings on both Monday and Tuesday.
A Fire Danger Statement is in effect from 1 PM to 8 PM today for an increased threat of erratic wildfire behavior and rapid wildfire spread. Please be safe and help prevent wildfires by doing everything possible to avoid open flames or sparks. #txwx #rgv #spi pic.twitter.com/IpdBSe1ioh
— NWS Brownsville (@NWSBrownsville) March 17, 2025
Nebraska: Most warnings expire Monday. North Platte zones have warnings until 8 p.m. CDT Monday, Omaha/Valley zones until 7 p.m. CDT Monday, and Hastings zones until 8 p.m. CDT Monday.
South Dakota: Warnings are primarily for Monday. Rapid City zones have warnings until 8 p.m. CDT Monday, and Sioux Falls zones until 7 or 8 p.m. CDT Monday.
🔥Gusty winds and dry conditions will allow for any fires to spread quickly today, especially across portions of northeast Iowa. Avoid any outdoor burning today and be sure to report any fires to local authorities. #iawx #wiwx #mnwx pic.twitter.com/jemSlhJmBP
— NWS La Crosse (@NWSLaCrosse) March 17, 2025
Iowa: Most warnings expire Monday evening. Des Moines, Quad Cities, and La Crosse zones all have Red Flag Warnings until 8 p.m. CDT Monday.
Missouri: Warnings primarily for Monday. St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City zones have Red Flag Warnings until 8 p.m. CDT Monday.
⚠️🔥
The combination of warm temperatures (highs in the 70s), low humidities, gusty SW winds, and dry vegetation will result in critical fire weather conditions today. Any fires that develop could spread quickly. Burning is not recommended. #iawx @IowaSFM pic.twitter.com/FYRPSka4Rl— NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) March 17, 2025
Arkansas: Portions of the state are under a Red Flag Warning, particularly Tulsa zones affecting Arkansas, lasting until 10 p.m. CDT Monday.
New Mexico: Warnings for both Monday and Tuesday. Albuquerque has Red Flag Warnings both days. El Paso and Midland/Odessa zones, affecting New Mexico, have warnings for Tuesday.
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from 10am to 8pm Monday. Southwest winds gusting 25-30mph combined with relative humidity values of 10-15% will result in near-critical fire weather conditions. Fires that develop will be able to spread quickly. #NEwx #KSwx pic.twitter.com/XAXbZJ3EwW
— NWS Hastings (@NWSHastings) March 16, 2025
Colorado: Warnings primarily for Monday. Denver/Boulder zones have Red Flag Warnings until 7 p.m. MDT Monday. Pueblo zones have warnings for Monday and Tuesday. Goodland zones, affecting Colorado, have warnings until 7 p.m. MDT Monday.
Wyoming: Warnings primarily for Monday. Cheyenne zones have Red Flag Warnings until 6 p.m. MDT Monday. Rapid City zones, affecting Wyoming, have warnings until 7 p.m. MDT Monday.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 AM to 6 PM today for the Nebraska Panhandle and portions of southeast Wyoming. Expect sustained west winds up to 45 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. #wywx #newx pic.twitter.com/sqtUMXTplZ
— NWS Cheyenne (@NWSCheyenne) March 17, 2025
Florida: Multiple zones under warnings for Monday. Tampa Bay, Melbourne, and Miami zones all have Red Flag Warnings until 8 p.m. EDT Monday.
Officials are urging residents in affected states to take immediate precautions:
- Avoid outdoor burning, campfires, and activities that could spark flames.
- Secure flammable materials and clear dry vegetation around properties.
- Follow local fire bans and be prepared to evacuate if fires develop.
- Report any signs of wildfire immediately to emergency services.
“A combination of strong winds…low relative humidity…and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth,” the NWS Tucson office stated in its advisory.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon until 8pm on Monday. If you are in the warned areas, do not burn. Elsewhere, elevated fire danger conditions are expected. Consider burning on a different day and make sure all fires, including cigarettes, are fully put out. pic.twitter.com/7te01e5v3z
— NWS St. Louis (@NWSStLouis) March 16, 2025
As the fire risk escalates, authorities continue to monitor conditions and may extend warnings if the dangerous weather pattern persists. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and take all necessary precautions to prevent any tragedies during extreme conditions, like the earthquake that struck this Southern state.
Source: news.amomama.com