Red Flag Warning Issued for Texas and Hansford Counties Through Friday Evening

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Texas and Hansford counties due to strong winds and low humidity, creating critical fire weather conditions.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Amarillo has issued a Red Flag Warning for the region. This alert signifies that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or imminent. A combination of strong winds and low relative humidity will create a favorable environment for rapid fire growth and spread.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

  • Texas County, Oklahoma
  • Hansford County, Texas

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:

  • Avoid all activities that promote open flames or sparks.
  • Outdoor burning is not recommended.
  • Monitor local conditions closely, as any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.

Expected Conditions

The NWS reports the following meteorological factors contributing to the fire risk:

  • Winds: East winds ranging from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
  • Relative Humidity: Levels as low as 16 percent.
  • Temperatures: Expected to be in the upper 30s.
  • Fire Environment: Fuels (ERC) are rated at the 70th-89th percentile (4 out of 5), with an overall fire environment rating of 5 out of 10.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is effective from 12:00 PM CST on Friday, February 20, 2026. The alert is scheduled to remain in effect until 7:00 PM CST Friday evening.

Source: NOAA Official Notice