Apr 02, 2023

UPDATE: All area counties face fire weather watches Tuesday

Posted Apr 02, 2023 8:45 PM

UPDATE 3:30 p.m. Monday: All counties in our area now are under red flag warnings for Tuesday.

READ: All counties in our area under red flag warnings for Tuesday

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UPDATE 3:45 p.m. Sunday: Fire weather watches have been issued for Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a fire weather watch in effect from Tuesday morning through late Tuesday night for the following counties in our area.

Ellsworth County

Lincoln County

Marion County

McPherson County

Saline County

Extreme grassland fire danger is forecast.

Winds from the southwest at 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph and relative humidity as low as 12 percent are forecast.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a fire weather watch in effect from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening for the following counties in our area.

Clay County

Cloud County

Dickinson County

Ottawa County

Republic County

Afternoon southwest winds at 20 to 35 mph, with gusts 40 to 50 mph, and relative humidity in the 10 to 20 percent range are forecast.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a fire weather watch in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening for the following counties in our area.

Jewell County

Mitchell County

Southwest winds at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph and relative humidity as low as 15 percent are forecast.

Any fires that ignite may spread rapidly. Use caution if engaging in activities that could result in fire ignition.

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National Weather Service

Wind gusts in the 50 to 60 mph range along with very low relative humidity will result in critical fire weather conditions for Tuesday afternoon and early evening.

Any fires that start will be very difficult if not impossible to control until winds decrease Tuesday night.

In addition, strong winds will bring blowing dust and may cause tree damage along with minor structure damage.