Red Flag Warning Issued for South Florida: Critical Fire Weather Conditions Expected Monday
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for South Florida effective Monday, citing strong winds and low humidity that could lead to extreme fire behavior.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Miami has issued a Red Flag Warning for all of South Florida. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or are imminent due to a combination of environmental factors that facilitate the rapid spread of wildfires.
Affected Areas
The warning covers a broad geographic scope across South Florida, including:
- Palm Beach County: Metro, Coastal, Lake Region, and Inland areas
- Broward County: Metro, Coastal, and Inland areas
- Miami-Dade County: Metropolitan, Coastal, Inland, and Far South areas
- Collier County: Northern, Coastal, and Southwest regions, including Big Cypress
- Glades County: Including the Lake Region
- Hendry County: Including the Lakes Region
- Monroe County: Mainland Monroe
What You Should Do
Residents and visitors in the affected zones should prepare for hazardous fire conditions. A Red Flag Warning means that strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Outdoor burning should be avoided, and any activities that could produce sparks or flames should be exercised with extreme caution.
Expected Conditions
Weather conditions contributing to this alert include:
- Winds: Northwest winds sustained between 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph.
- Relative Humidity: Levels are expected to drop as low as 24 percent.
- Temperatures: Highs are forecasted to reach up to 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is officially in effect from 9:00 AM EST to 7:00 PM EST on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice