A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Sunday afternoon and evening across the Nebraska Panhandle, Sandhills, and portions of western and north-central Nebraska as gusty winds and low humidity create conditions favorable for rapid fire spread, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds are expected to reach 25 to 40 mph, with relative humidity dropping as low as 13 percent. The highest fire danger is forecast between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. MDT.

The affected areas include the Nebraska Panhandle, including Scotts Bluff, Box Butte Kimball, Morrill, Banner, Garden, Deuel and Cheyenne counties, as well as western and north-central Nebraska near Crescent Lake NWR and the Frenchman Basin. The watch also covers northeastern Colorado, including Sedgwick, Phillips, Logan and northern Weld counties, and southeastern Wyoming, including Goshen and Laramie counties.

Officials warn any fires that develop may spread rapidly and become difficult to contain. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged and residents are urged to avoid activities that could generate sparks, such as welding, driving over dry grass or improperly discarding cigarette butts.

The fire danger follows a stretch of dry conditions and comes ahead of additional fire weather concerns Monday, when above-average temperatures, gusty winds and low humidity may continue to create critical or near-critical fire weather conditions.

The National Weather Service urges residents to stay updated on the latest alerts and possible Red Flag Warnings.