Weather service advises to avoid outdoor burning Tuesday, Wednesday

BRIDGEPORT - Gusty winds, near record high temperatures and minimum humidities will create near-critical fire weather conditions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service office in Cheyenne. 

A red flag warning is in effect for much of the Nebraska Panhandle and southwest Nebraska. The warning extends into central and eastern Nebraska. Kimball and Cheyenne Counties are the lone counties not included in the warning, however elevated fire weather conditions are still expected in both counties, along with southeast Wyoming 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. Outdoor 

Winds will be sustained out of the west to southwest at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Highs Tuesday and Wednesday were expected to be in the mid-80s under sunny skies. Thursday will be cloudy with a high around 80.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended by the weather service.