Red Flag Warning Issued for Eastern Kansas and Northern Missouri Due to Critical Fire Conditions

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity. This alert signifies that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or are imminent. The previously issued Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect as conditions have escalated to a warning level.

Affected Areas

The warning covers a broad region across two states:

• Kansas: Atchison, Doniphan, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte counties.
• Missouri: Atchison, Nodaway, Worth, Gentry, Harrison, Mercer, Putnam, Schuyler, Holt, Andrew, De Kalb, Daviess, Grundy, Sullivan, Adair, Buchanan, Clinton, Caldwell, Livingston, Linn, Macon, Platte, Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Randolph counties.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are strongly advised to avoid all outdoor burning. Any fire that develops under these conditions will catch and spread quickly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Ensure all trailers and equipment are properly maintained to prevent sparks and remain vigilant for any signs of smoke.

Expected Conditions

Weather conditions are expected to reach critical thresholds for fire danger:

• Wind: Southwest to west winds between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts reaching 25 to 30 mph.
• Humidity: Relative humidity levels are expected to drop below 25 percent.
• Impacts: Rapid fire growth and difficult containment for any new ignitions.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is effective from 12:00 PM (noon) to 6:00 PM CST on Friday, February 27, 2026.