Red Flag Warning Issued for Southeast Wyoming and Nebraska Panhandle Due to Critical Fire Conditions
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for southeast Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle as strong winds and low humidity create extreme fire risks through Tuesday evening.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY, has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions. The alert is currently in effect and remains active through Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026.
Affected Areas
The warning covers a broad region across southeast Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle, including:
- Pine Ridge and Nebraska National Forest
- Box Butte, South Sioux, and Niobrara River
- Lower and Middle North Platte River Basin
- Scottsbluff National Monument
- Lodgepole Creek and the Southern Nebraska Panhandle
- Thunder Basin National Grassland and Niobrara/Converse High Plains
- Laramie Foothills and High Plains
- Bordeaux, Chugwater, Wheatland, and Goshen
The highest threat is identified just east of the Laramie Range across southeast Wyoming and the Interstate 80 corridor into the Nebraska panhandle.
What You Should Do
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. Residents are advised that outdoor burning is not recommended. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Residents should prepare for hazardous conditions and monitor local updates.
Expected Conditions
- Wind: Southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are expected this morning. Conditions will intensify in the late morning and afternoon, with west winds reaching 25 to 40 mph and gusts up to 65 mph.
- Humidity: Relative humidity levels are forecast between 12 and 20 percent, with poor humidity recovery noted early this morning.
- Temperature: Mild temperatures combined with low humidity and high winds will lead to extremely critical fire weather conditions.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is effective as of 12:39 AM MST on February 17, 2026. The onset of critical conditions is expected at 5:00 AM MST, with the warning set to expire at 6:00 PM MST this evening.
Source: NOAA Official Notice