UPDATE 7 a.m. Thursday: The National Weather Service in Wichita has moved several counties in our area into a red flag warning. READ: Red flag warning issued for counties in our area
A fire weather watch and wind advisories have been issued for counties in our area for Thursday.
A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a fire weather watch for extreme grassland fire danger effective Thursday morning through evening for the following counties in our area.
Ellsworth County
Lincoln County
McPherson County
Saline County
Winds: Southwest 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
Relative Humidity: As low as 27 percent.
Impacts: Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Additionally, NWS in Wichita has issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.
Ellsworth County
Lincoln County
Marion County
McPherson County
Saline County
Southwest winds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
NWS in Topeka has issued a wind advisory in effect from 1-6 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.
Dickinson County
Ottawa County
Southwest winds of 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected. Winds will steadily increase through the mid- to late-morning hours on Thursday, with the strongest winds during the mid-afternoon. Winds will decrease in the evening.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The combination of the strong winds and relative humidity values around 30 to 35 percent will create a very high fire danger in the afternoon. Outdoor burning during this time is strongly discouraged.
Strong winds are also expected Thursday night into Friday. After a brief lull late Thursday afternoon or early evening, winds will switch to the northwest and increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts over 40 mph. These winds will last through mid to late morning on Friday.