Red Flag Warnings Issued Across Southern Plains: A Deep Dive into Escalating Fire Weather
A Red Flag Warning is currently in effect across several areas of the Southern United States due to strong winds and low humidity, creating conditions ripe for rapid fire spread. The National Weather Service (NWS) is urging residents of New Mexico and West Texas to exercise extreme caution.
Current Conditions and Affected Areas
The Red Flag Warning, initially issued on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, extends into Thursday, February 19, 2026. A Fire Weather Watch is similarly in place for several areas across the central and southern parts of the country. Specific areas under watch include portions of Colorado, North Texas, the Texas Panhandle, Southern Plains, Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas.
In Colorado, winds from the west are expected to reach 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, coupled with relative humidity as low as 11-12%. The NWS Fort Worth office has issued a Fire Weather Watch for counties including Montague, Cooke, Grayson, Young, Jack, and Wise in North Texas. Winds there are forecast to be from the west-northwest at 15-20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, and relative humidity dropping to 10%.
The Lubbock NWS office has issued a watch for multiple counties in the Texas Panhandle and Southern Plains, including Parmer, Castro, Swisher, Hall, Childress, Lubbock, Dickens, and King. Humidity levels could fall to as low as 9%, with wind gusts near 40 mph. Similar conditions are expected across the Panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma.
Norman’s NWS office reports a watch is in effect for large areas of western, central, and southern Oklahoma, as well as northwest Texas, with temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas are also under a Fire Weather Watch, anticipating winds of 15-25 mph.
Looking Ahead: Potential for Intensification
While winds may be slightly weaker on Thursday compared to Wednesday, the NWS warns that critical conditions could intensify again by Friday. This highlights the potential for a prolonged period of elevated fire risk.
Broader Weather Patterns
While the fire weather threat dominates the Southern Plains, other weather systems are impacting different regions of the country. Two Pacific storms are continuing to bring gusty winds and heavy mountain snow to the western United States through Thursday. Looking ahead, forecasts indicate strong rains in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, precipitation in the Ohio Valley, significant snowfall in the high elevations of the Cascades, Sierra, and interior West, and strong winds along the Northwest coast, Rocky Mountains, and Great Plains.
Understanding Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. These conditions include a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels. Any fire that ignites in these conditions can spread rapidly and be extremely difficult to control.
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible in the near future. It’s a heads-up to be prepared and monitor the forecast closely.
Pro Tip:
Ensure your property has defensible space. Clear away dry leaves, brush, and other flammable materials from around your home and other structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do during a Red Flag Warning?
A: Avoid any activity that could spark a fire, such as outdoor burning, using equipment that creates sparks, or discarding cigarettes improperly.
Q: What does “relative humidity” mean?
A: Relative humidity is a measure of how much moisture is in the air. Low relative humidity means the air is dry, which increases the risk of fire.
Q: Where can I find the latest fire weather information?
A: Check the National Weather Service website (https://www.weather.gov/?lang=es) or your local NWS office.
Q: What is a “wind gust”?
A: A wind gust is a sudden, brief increase in wind speed.
Did you know?
Dry lightning – lightning strikes without accompanying rain – is a major cause of wildfires, especially in the Western United States.
Stay informed, be prepared, and assist prevent wildfires. For more information on wildfire safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association website (https://www.nfpa.org/).
