Red Flag Warning Issued for Southwest Kansas Counties Through Thursday Evening

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will develop shortly, driven by a combination of strong winds and dry conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following Fire Weather Zones in Kansas:

• Morton
• Stevens
• Seward
• Meade
• Clark
• Comanche
• Barber

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas should prepare for extreme fire behavior. Any ignitions may result in rapid wildfire development, and ongoing fires or existing burn scars may rekindle. It is essential to avoid any outdoor activities that could produce sparks or involve open flames during this period.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: Northwest winds sustained at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
• Relative Humidity: Levels are expected to drop as low as 15 percent.
• Hazard: The combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures will contribute to elevated to critical wildfire danger.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM CST on Thursday, February 19, 2026.