Weather authorities across several states are issuing warnings about increasing fire weather danger due to warm, dry, and windy conditions expected this weekend, with the first 70°+ temperatures likely on Thursday and Friday. Gusty southwest winds and very low relative humidity (RH) behind a dryline are anticipated to elevate fire conditions to near critical levels, particularly in western Oklahoma, western North Texas, and a large portion of the southern High Plains. The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Norman and Pueblo, along with the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), have highlighted the potential for critical fire weather conditions on Friday, Saturday, and possibly Sunday, affecting much of the area. The combination of strong winds, low humidity, and the pesky panhandle wind is raising concerns for rapid fire spread and start. Additionally, the Continental Divide is expected to face hazardous travel conditions due to strong winds and snow. Residents are advised to prepare for the fire weather by avoiding outdoor burning and having a fire safety plan in place.
⚠️Key Messages 4/5-4/7: Critical Fire-Weather conditions are likely across the southern High Plains this Friday and through the weekend. Check for new forecast information at https://t.co/6ByLpjGeLV and https://t.co/QMmU4tCxt1 Avoid outdoor burning and have a fire safety plan. https://t.co/xVxf7GvOm8
Windy and dry conditions will lead to critical fire weather conditions Saturday afternoon across portions of western Oklahoma and western north Texas. Do what you can to prevent fire start and spread tomorrow! #okwx #texomawx https://t.co/1rw96Gp9RQ
Warm, dry, and windy conditions will combine creating critical fire danger Friday, Saturday and possibly Sunday as well. https://t.co/uiTwwWlKe3
1:00am CDT #SPC Day2 #FireWX Critical: a large portion of the southern and central high plains https://t.co/LEoXKVkNcs https://t.co/TML2AYEHH7
The pesky panhandle wind will make a return heading into this weekend. Warm, dry, and windy conditions will combine creating critical fire danger Friday, Saturday and possibly Sunday as well. https://t.co/uiTwwWlKe3
High fire danger for much of the area Fri and Sat. Strong winds and snow will produce hazardous travel conditions for the Continental Divide Fri and Sat. #cowx #firewx #winterwx https://t.co/cNsPF8umWZ
First 70°+ a near lock Thu/Fri. Fire danger will be a potentially big issue on Friday, maybe Saturday too. Big computer model differences about this weekend, but leaning towards a lower impact rain/snow event. Wind probably the main impact this weekend. #9wx #COwx https://t.co/LCKU54xZvi
Fire weather danger increasing this weekend across our west. Gusty southwest winds and very low RHs behind a dryline will result in elevated to near critical conditions. Saturday's fire wx will be dependent on where the dryline sets up in the afternoon. #okwx #texomawx https://t.co/HPFPiVLZg9