A potent storm is set to unleash gusts reaching 60-70 mph or higher across the Southern Plains, with relative humidity levels plummeting into the teens and single digits. Areas such as Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and extensive parts of northern Texas, including certain suburbs of Fort Worth, are facing an “extreme” fire threat.
The combination of strong winds, parched lands, and drastically low humidity is creating an “extremely critical” fire risk for millions in Texas and Oklahoma on Friday. This situation is a result of a powerful storm system that is expected to bring various severe weather conditions spanning numerous states in the Midwest and East Coast as a jet stream exceeding 100 mph moves into the southern Plains on Friday.
The approaching storm will bring intense westerly winds of 60-70 mph or more over extremely dry air with humidity levels plummeting to dangerous lows. This combination sets the stage for potentially rapid wildfire spread and containment challenges.
The southern Plains are under both High Wind Warnings and Fire Weather Warnings, with over 5 million people at risk of “extreme” fire conditions from North Texas through Oklahoma and southern Kansas. Cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Midland, Abilene, Wichita Falls, and some suburbs of Dallas-Fort Worth are included in the high-risk areas.
Wind speeds ranging from 25-40 mph, gusts nearing 60 mph, and humidity levels between 10-20% create a heightened risk of wildfires in the affected regions. Fire officials are urging residents to avoid activities that could spark fires. The danger extends to major cities like Austin and San Antonio in Texas, where a “critical” fire threat is in place.
Emergency responders are preparing for the heightened fire risk, with fire departments coordinating efforts and ensuring adequate staffing and resources. Some suburbs of Fort Worth are facing an “extreme” fire risk forecast for the first time in advance.
The Texas Panhandle is particularly vulnerable to dangerous high winds and fire risks. Residents are advised to be prepared for potential evacuations during this wildfire season.
“An extreme weather event is anticipated on Friday with gusts reaching nearly 80 mph and a dust storm,” warned NWS Lubbock in capital letters. “There may be isolated, extreme wind gusts of up to 90 mph in parts of the Caprock Escarpment.” Dry and windy conditions in Colorado fueled multiple brush fires on Thursday, prompting evacuations. The largest fire, the Meridian Fire, scorched over 3,000 acres near Colorado Springs. Though evacuees were offered shelter, firefighters managed to contain the flames, leading to the lifting of some evacuation orders. (Source: ‘Extremely critical’ fire weather poses threat to millions across Plains)
