Red flag warnings have been issued for counties in our area.
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.
READ: Helicopters on standby in Salina due to risk of wildland fires
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a red flag warning in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday for the following counties in our area.
Marion County
McPherson County
Saline County
Extreme grassland fire danger is forecast.
Winds from the south at 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are forecast with relative humidity as low as 23 percent, NWS noted.
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Additionally, NWS has issued a red flag warning in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday for Ellsworth County.
Extreme grassland fire danger is forecast.
Winds from the south at 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are forecast with relative humidity as low as 26 percent, NWS noted.
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
NWS in Topeka has issued a red flag warning in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday for the following counties in our area.
Clay County
Cloud County
Dickinson County
Ottawa County
South winds sustained at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are forecast. Minimum relative humidity values in the 20 to 30 percent range, with the lowest in the afternoon, are forecast as well.
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Most vegetation has transitioned into a dormant state and is extremely susceptible to rapid fire spread.