Red Flag Warning Issued for Hardeman, Foard, and Knox Counties in Western North Texas
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Western North Texas as high winds and low humidity create critical fire weather conditions on Tuesday.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, has issued a Red Flag Warning (NWS code: FWW) for portions of Western North Texas. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or are imminent, driven by a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following geographic regions in Western North Texas:
- Hardeman County
- Foard County
- Knox County
What You Should Do
Residents in the warning area are advised that any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended under these conditions. Residents should prepare for extreme fire behavior and exercise caution with any equipment that could cause a spark.
Expected Conditions
Weather conditions are forecast to reach critical levels for fire danger:
- Winds: Southwest winds between 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
- Relative Humidity: Levels are expected to drop as low as 14 percent.
- Temperatures: Highs are forecast to reach up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fire Environment: The fire environment is rated at a 6 out of 10, with fuel moisture (ERC) in the 50th-70th percentile.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is effective during the following window:
- Onset: 10:00 AM CST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Expiration: 8:00 PM CST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Source: NOAA Official Notice