Mar 19, 2020

NWS: Red flag warning issued for counties in our area

Posted Mar 19, 2020 12:08 PM

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has moved several counties in our area from a fire weather watch to a red flag warning for extreme grassland fire danger.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly, NWS noted. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

The red flag warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday 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 50 mph.

Relative Humidity: As low as 21 percent.

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