Red Flag Warning issued amid critical fire danger

SIDNEY, Neb. — A Red Flag Warning is in effect across western Nebraska and portions of eastern Colorado today, Saturday, Feb. 7, as critical fire weather conditions are expected to develop during the afternoon.

According to the National Weather Service, the warning runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST and includes the southern Nebraska Panhandle, western Sandhills, southwestern Nebraska, and parts of northeast Colorado, including Sedgwick County. The warning covers fire weather zones 435, 436 and 437 in Nebraska, as well as zones 242, 248, 249, 250 and 251 in Colorado.

Forecasters say northwest winds of 25 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching 40 to 45 mph, combined with very low relative humidity between 14 and 20 percent, will create conditions favorable for rapid fire spread. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid to upper 60s, further increasing the risk.

The National Weather Service warns that any fire that starts during the warning period could grow quickly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents are urged to avoid activities that could generate sparks, including welding, dragging chains, or parking vehicles on dry grass.

“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly,” the National Weather Service stated. “A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.”

Weather conditions are expected to calm somewhat tonight, with winds diminishing and temperatures dropping into the low 30s. Breezy conditions are forecast to continue into Sunday, though fire danger is expected to be lower than today.