Red Flag Warning Issued for North and Central Texas Due to High Winds and Dry Conditions
Due to high winds and dry conditions, all of North and Central Texas are under a red flag warning Friday. This warning indicates a high risk of wildfires in the area, and residents are advised to take precautions to prevent fires from starting.
The conditions create a “dangerous” risk of wildfires, according to the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office. Wind gusts on Friday are expected to be between 25 to 35 mph, with some gusts up to 65 mph possible. In addition to the red flag warning, which lasts from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Dallas is also under a high wind warning until 7 p.m.
High Winds and Blowing Dust
In addition, the high winds are stirring up dust, putting parts of North Texas under a blowing dust advisory until 9 p.m. Friday. The weather service said as a result, there could be hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility. Residents are advised to exercise caution when driving and to keep an eye on the weather forecast for updates.
The Wise County Office of Emergency Management said there was a wildfire in the area at about 2 p.m. The grass fire, in the area of Three Skillet Road in Salt Creek, briefly caused an evacuation notice to be issued as fire crews battled the blaze.
Wildfires in the Region
A blaze in Roberts County, Texas, northeast of Amarillo, quickly blew up from less than a square mile to an estimated 14.8 square miles, the Texas A&M University Forest Service said on X. About 60 miles to the south, another fire grew to about 3.9 square miles, but crews stopped its advance by the afternoon.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management activated its emergency operations center after several fast-moving fires that prompted evacuations of the town of Leedey in the western part of the state and in a rural area east of Norman.
Weather Forecast
By about 1:50 p.m., the weather service said the greatest risk for 60-plus-mph winds was in the northwest area of North Texas, while Dallas-Fort Worth was expected to have between 40 to 50 mph gusts. According to the Weather Service, peak winds of 62 mph were recorded in Jacksboro, northwest of Fort Worth, while 60 mph winds were recorded in Decatur and 57 mph winds were recorded in Northlake.
Warm weather will continue Friday in Dallas, as a high of 80 degrees is expected. It follows two consecutive days where a high of 86 was recorded, which is the second-highest temperature recorded so far this year.
Weekend Forecast
Temperatures this weekend are expected to drop to the low 70s, before rising again early next week. Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue, meaning the elevated risk for grass fires will remain, according to the weather service.
Latest Dallas Forecast (via KXAS-TV)
FRIDAY: Becoming very windy with a mix of clouds and sun. Winds could gust to 50-60 mph during the afternoon. An extreme grass fire threat will exist. Areas of blowing dust. Critical fire danger. High: 80. Wind: SW 25-35 mph with higher gusts over 50 mph.
SATURDAY: Cooler and breezy with a mix of clouds and sun. A spotty shower or thunderstorm is possible Saturday morning for locations south/east of DFW. Low: 47. High: 72. Wind: NW 10-20 mph.
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny and mild. Not as breezy. Low: 48. High: 73. Wind: N 5-10 mph.
MONDAY (ST. PATRICK’S DAY): Breezy and warm with sunshine and a few clouds. Low: 58. High: 82. Wind: S 10-20 mph.
TUESDAY: Sun, clouds, breezy and warm. Low: 56. High: 84. Wind: S 15-25 mph.
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy, breezy and cooler. Low: 46. High: 74. Wind: NW 10-20 mph.
THURSDAY: Cooler with a mix of sunshine and clouds. Low: 46. High: 66. Wind: N 10-15 mph.
FRIDAY: Milder with a few passing clouds, otherwise generally sunny. Low: 53. High: 74. Wind: S 10-20 mph.
Conclusion
The red flag warning issued for North and Central Texas is a serious alert that requires attention and caution. Residents are advised to take precautions to prevent fires from starting and to stay informed about the weather forecast. With high winds and dry conditions expected to continue, the risk of wildfires remains elevated, and it is essential to be prepared and take necessary precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a red flag warning?
A red flag warning is a warning issued by the National Weather Service to indicate a high risk of wildfires in a particular area. It is usually issued when there are strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions that can contribute to the spread of wildfires.
What should I do during a red flag warning?
During a red flag warning, you should take precautions to prevent fires from starting, such as avoiding outdoor burning, disposing of cigarettes properly, and being cautious with sparks and open flames. You should also stay informed about the weather forecast and follow any instructions from local authorities.
How long will the red flag warning last?
The red flag warning is expected to last from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, but it may be extended or shortened depending on the weather conditions.
What is the difference between a red flag warning and a fire warning?
A red flag warning is a warning that indicates a high risk of wildfires, while a fire warning is a warning that indicates that a wildfire is already occurring and is a threat to people and property. Both warnings require attention and caution, but a fire warning is more urgent and requires immediate action.
