Red flag warnings flashed across several states in the central U.S. as meteorologists cautioned about the increased risk of wildfires due to high winds, warm temperatures, and low humidity in the dry region. The states on high alert for fires included South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and western Illinois, as reported by the National Weather Service. Wind advisories were in effect from North Dakota to West Virginia.
Weather experts anticipated winds in the region to surge between 20 to 30 mph, with occasional gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Additionally, above-normal temperatures were predicted to envelop the Midwest, with temperatures soaring well into the 50s and 60s across the Plains and Midwest.
The weather service office in Omaha, Nebraska, issued a warning about the potential for extreme fire behavior due to the combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures. They advised taking extra precautions to prevent sparks and closely monitoring any lingering fires. The entire region was grappling with moderate to severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Looking ahead, the Weather Prediction Center forecasted above-average temperatures on that Friday in 2025 for the central U.S. Winter wildfires, although less common, can occur year-round, as demonstrated by the recent January wildfires in the Los Angeles area, which were the costliest in U.S. history. Similarly, the Smokehouse Creek fire in Texas and Oklahoma last year burned through February and March, emerging as the largest wildfire of the year in the U.S. and one of the biggest in Texas’s history.
The Midwest found itself under a red flag warning on Friday, indicating a heightened risk of wildfires due to factors like low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation. The Western Fire Chiefs Association highlighted that high temperatures were not a prerequisite for red flag warnings, which are issued year-round by the National Weather Service. Despite the soaring temperatures expected on Friday, a sharp drop was anticipated over the weekend, diminishing the wildfire threat.
During red flag warnings, it is crucial to avoid planned burns and stay vigilant. Residents are urged not to engage in outdoor fires, discard cigarettes carelessly, or drive in dry vegetation. Keeping grass and vegetation short and well-watered is advised to safeguard homes from potential fires.
**Source:** USA TODAY: High winds trigger red flag warnings, threaten ‘extreme fire behavior’
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