A fire weather watch, high wind watches, and wind advisories have been issued for counties in our area.
Fire weather watch
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 effective Thursday morning through Thursday afternoon 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 northwest at 25 to 40 mph, with gusts 50 to 60 mph, and relative humidity as low as 25 percent are forecast.
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult or impossible to control, NWS noted. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
High wind watches
NWS in Wichita has issued a high wind watch in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday afternoon for the following counties in our area.
Ellsworth County
Lincoln County
Northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are possible.
Damaging winds could blow down tree limbs and power lines, NWS reported. Numerous power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles traveling on east to west roadways.
NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a high wind watch in effect from late Wednesday night through Friday afternoon for the following counties in our area.
Jewell County
Mitchell County
Northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 55 to 60 mph are possible.
Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
The initial surge of strong northwest winds will occur behind a cold front late tonight, according to NWS. The strongest winds will be mid morning through late afternoon on both Thursday and Friday, with relative lulls expected early Thursday morning and again Thursday night into early Friday morning. Even during the relative lulls, wind gusts up to 45 mph will be possible.
Wind advisories
NWS has issued a wind advisory in effect from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.
Marion County
McPherson County
Saline County
Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected, NWS noted.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Some small tree limbs could be knocked down along with a few power outages possible.
NWS in Topeka has issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.
Clay County
Cloud County
Dickinson County
Ottawa County
Republic County
Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected, NWS noted.
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.