NWS: Worst drought in 10 years, red flag warnings posted for Friday

NORTH PLATTE - It’s been ten years to be exact since Nebraska has seen the levels of drought we’re currently seeing, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service in North Platte.

Over the last few months, the Platte River has almost dried up. And while some of that can be credited to farmers and irrigation needs, the National Weather Service in North Platte said the level of dryness is historical.

“This year has been pretty dry, and in comparison to past years, looking at 2012 which was the last year that we saw D4 drought, and we have had D4 drought currently ongoing,” said meteorologist Jaclyn Gomz. “So, if you look historically at the past 22 years, we’ve had 4 instances of D4 drought.”

Gomez said we can expect the dry conditions to continue as a La Niña winter is expected.

Dry weather continues Friday with Red Flag Warnings posted for the southern Nebraska Panhandle, southwest Nebraska and northeast Colorado.

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

Winds are expected to be out of the northwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Humidity will be at a minimum of 10 to 15 percent. 

The NWS says any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended and you're asked to avoid any activities that could spark a wildfire. 

The warning lasts until 7 p.m. Friday.