SIDNEY, Neb. -- Red flag warnings are littered across the western half of Nebraska until Thursday evening.

With low humidity, gusty winds, and potential for lightning, fire risk has increased in several parts of Nebraska.

The red flag warnings are in effect from 10 a.m. MT/11:00 a.m. CT until 7 p.m. MT/8 p.m. CT.

High temperatures are expected to hover around 100 degrees, and relative humidity could be as low as 10 percent. Wind gusts could reach as high as 30 mph in the affected areas, while thunderstorms could also increase the risk for wildfires. Dry lightning is also possible, according to the National Weather Service.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly.

Over half of Nebraska's 93 counties are affected by the red flag warnings, which also stretch into Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas and South Dakota.

The hot and dry conditions mirror much of the rest of the year across Nebraska, as several parts of the state are experiencing their driest conditions on record.

The National Weather Service says the current conditions in the state, particularly in the western half, increase the likelihood that a fire may be capable of spreading or exhibiting extreme behavior.