Red Flag Warnings Issued in 12 U.S. States – Details

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, Florida, and more. 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, 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 on Monday evening, while others extend into Tuesday. Dodge City zones have warnings until 8 p.m. CDT on Monday and another from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. CDT on Tuesday. Goodland zones have warnings until 8 p.m. CDT on Monday.

Texas: Red flag warnings are in effect across different regions for Monday and Tuesday. Amarillo zones are under warning until 9 p.m. CDT on Monday, with another warning on Tuesday. Fort Worth and San Angelo zones have warnings until 10 p.m. CDT on 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 on Monday, with a fire weather watch for Tuesday. Norman zones have warnings on Monday and Tuesday.

Nebraska: Most warnings expire on Monday. North Platte zones have them until 8 p.m. CDT, Omaha/Valley zones until 7 p.m. CDT, and Hastings zones until 8 p.m. CDT.

South Dakota: Warnings are primarily for Monday. Rapid City zones should be alert until 8 p.m. CDT, and Sioux Falls zones until 7 or 8 p.m. CDT.

Iowa: Most warnings expire on Monday evening. Des Moines and Quad Cities zones have red flag warnings until 8 p.m. CDT.

Missouri: Warnings are primarily for Monday. St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City zones have red flag warnings until 8 p.m. CDT.

Arkansas: Portions of northwestern Arkansas are under a red 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 on Monday.

New Mexico: Warnings are in effect for New Mexico on 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 red flag warnings for Tuesday.

Colorado: Warnings are primarily on Monday. Denver/Boulder is warned until 8 p.m. CDT, and Pueblo until Tuesday. Eastern Colorado, within the Goodland, Kansas NWS zone, is warned until 8 p.m. CDT on Monday.

Wyoming: Warnings are mainly for Monday. Cheyenne is warned until 7 p.m. CDT. Northeastern Wyoming, within the Rapid City, South Dakota NWS zone, is warned until 8 p.m. CDT.

Florida: Multiple zones under warnings for Monday. Tampa Bay, Melbourne, and Miami zones all have red flag warnings until 7 p.m. CDT.

Officials are urging residents in affected states to take immediate precautions:

1. Avoid outdoor burning, campfires, and activities that could spark flames.
2. Secure flammable materials and clear dry vegetation around properties.
3. Follow local fire bans and be prepared to evacuate if fires develop.
4. Report any signs of wildfire immediately to emergency services.

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 tragedies during extreme weather conditions that seem to be affecting the country these days, like the earthquake that struck this Southern state.