The National Weather Service Wichita has issued a Red Flag Warning for extreme grassland fire danger across parts of central and south-central Kansas from noon to 9 p.m. CST Tuesday.
Forecasters said southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, combined with relative humidity as low as 23 percent, will create conditions favorable for rapid wildfire growth. Officials strongly discouraged outdoor burning, warning that any ignition could quickly become a fast-moving grassfire.
A separate Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST for southwest Kansas, where even more severe conditions are expected.
The National Weather Service Dodge City said southwest to west winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching 60 mph, and relative humidity dropping as low as 13 percent will significantly increase the risk of extreme fire behavior.
A Red Flag Warning indicates that critical fire weather conditions are occurring or imminent. The combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to rapid fire spread and intense fire behavior.
Emergency managers and fire crews were urged to prepare for potential wildfire operations, and residents were advised to avoid any activities that could spark a fire.