Red Flag Warning Issued for South Central and Southeast Mississippi Through Sunday

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · South Central and Southeast Mississippi

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for several Mississippi counties due to critical fire weather conditions, including high winds and low humidity.

Alert Details

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Jackson, MS. This alert signifies that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or are imminent. The warning is specifically in effect for Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following counties in south central and southeast Mississippi:

  • Jefferson Davis
  • Covington
  • Jones
  • Marion
  • Lamar
  • Forrest

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are strongly advised to avoid outdoor burning. Any fires that develop under these conditions will likely spread rapidly and could lead to explosive fire growth. Local authorities recommend preparing for potential fire hazards and monitoring local weather updates.

Expected Conditions

  • Wind: North winds are expected to range from 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching as high as 35 mph.
  • Humidity: Relative humidity levels are forecast to drop as low as 20 to 25 percent.
  • Hazards: The combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures creates a high risk for rapid fire spread.

Timeline

The alert was issued on February 21 at 11:06 AM CST. The specific window for critical fire weather conditions begins at 9:00 AM CST on Sunday, February 22, and is scheduled to expire at 6:00 PM CST that same day.

Source: NOAA Official Notice