A dangerous fire weather pattern has prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue warnings across 12 states, cautioning of extreme wildfire risks due to strong winds and low humidity.
Fire conditions are intensifying across Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Florida. These warnings signal an increased threat of rapidly spreading wildfires, urging residents to avoid outdoor burning and remain vigilant. The alerts are in effect as of March 17, 2025, for the entire day and Tuesday, March 18, depending on the region.
The NWS warns that a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation creates an environment where fires can spread rapidly.
Wind gusts ranging from 25 to 65 mph, along with humidity levels as low as 6% in some areas, have heightened concerns. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of the areas that should be particularly cautious:
Kansas: Multiple zones under red flag warnings. Some expire Monday evening, while others extend into Tuesday. Dodge City zones have warnings until 8 p.m. CDT Monday and another from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. CDT Tuesday. Goodland zones have warnings until 7 p.m. MDT Monday.
Texas: red flag warnings are in effect across different regions for both Monday and Tuesday. Amarillo zones are under warning until 9 p.m. CDT Monday, with another warning Tuesday. Fort Worth and San Angelo zones have warnings until 10 p.m. CDT Monday, with a fire weather watch for Tuesday.
Oklahoma: Warnings are active for both Monday and Tuesday. Tulsa zones have warnings until 10 p.m. CDT Monday, with a fire weather watch for Tuesday. Norman zones have warnings on both Monday and Tuesday
Nebraska: Most warnings expire Monday. North Platte zones have them until 8 p.m. CDT Monday, Omaha/Valley zones until 7 p.m. CDT Monday, and Hastings zones until 8 p.m. CDT Monday.
South Dakota: Warnings are primarily for Monday. Rapid City zones should be alert until 8 p.m. CDT Monday, and Sioux Falls zones until 7 or 8 p.m. CDT Monday.
Iowa: Most warnings expire Monday evening. Des Moines and Quad Cities zones have red flag warnings until 8 p.m. CDT Monday.
Missouri: Warnings primarily for Monday. St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City zones have red flag warnings until 8 p.m. CDT Monday.
Arkansas: Portions of northwestern Arkansas are under a fed flag warning, specifically those areas within the weather forecast zones covered by the National Weather Service office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This warning is in effect until 10 p.m. CDT Monday.
New Mexico: Warnings are in effect for New Mexico on both Monday and Tuesday. Albuquerque is under red flag warnings for both days. Additionally, areas of southern New Mexico within the weather forecast zones covered by the NWS offices in El Paso, Texas, and Midland/Odessa, Texas, are under fed flag warnings for Tuesday.
Colorado: Warnings are primarily on Monday. Denver/Boulder is warned until 7 p.m. MDT Monday, and Pueblo until Tuesday. Eastern Colorado, within the Goodland, Kansas NWS zone, is warned until 7 p.m. MDT Monday.
Wyoming: Warnings are mainly Monday. Cheyenne is warned until 6 p.m. MDT Monday. Northeastern Wyoming, within the Rapid City, South Dakota NWS zone, is warned until 7 p.m. MDT Monday.
Florida: Multiple zones under warnings for Monday. Tampa Bay, Melbourne, and Miami zones all have red flag warnings until 8 p.m. EDT Monday.
Officials are urging residents in affected states to take immediate precautions:
- Avoid outdoor burning, campfires, and activities that could spark flames.
- Secure flammable materials and clear dry vegetation around properties.
- Follow local fire bans and be prepared to evacuate if fires develop.
- Report any signs of wildfire immediately to emergency services.
“A combination of strong winds…low relative humidity…and dry vegetation will create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth,” the NWS Tucson office stated in its advisory.
Additionally, meteorologist David Roth from the Weather Prediction Center noted that recent offshore winds and a cold front have further dried the region, leaving little chance for moisture recovery.
“All you really need for fire weather are relative humidities under 20 percent,” he said. As temperatures rise into the 60s and 70s, the air will become even dryer with humidity possibly falling below 10%, worsening fire conditions.
The National Weather Service previously warned about these conditions in a March 14 Instagram post, calling that day a “very dangerous wildfire outbreak day” for the southern Plains.
Today, the NWS Norman office reinforced the urgency on X, advising residents to prepare for potential evacuations. “With critical to extreme fire weather conditions expected today, take steps to prevent fire starts and pay attention for any evacuations, etc. for your location. #okwx #texomawx,” the post stated
As the fire risk escalates, authorities continue to monitor conditions and may extend warnings if the dangerous weather pattern persists.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and take all necessary precautions to prevent any tragedies during extreme conditions, like the earthquake that struck this Southern state.
