Fire Weather Concerns and Severe Thunderstorms through the Weekend

Dry and windy conditions, and some dry thunderstorms and lightning, may support hazardous fire activity in the northern Plains, high southern Plains and the Southwest this weekend. An active severe weather pattern is forecast for portions of the central and southern High Plains into the Upper Midwest through early the part of next week. Damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes are possible. Read More >

Red Flag Warning Today

Weather Story

Today and Tonight

A Red Flag Warning is now in effect through 7 PM CDT (6 PM MDT) this evening for portions of western and north-central Nebraska due to critical fire weather conditions. Very dry air combined with warm temperatures and gusty northwest winds will support rapid fire spread if a fire starts. Relative humidity values may fall as low as 10 percent this afternoon, while northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are expected. High temperatures will climb into the upper 80s to low 90s. Please avoid outdoor burning and use caution with anything that could create sparks. Fires may spread quickly under these conditions.

Severe weather chances will increase this weekend into early next week, with large hail, damaging winds, and a non-zero tornado threat each day. The greatest concern currently appears to be Sunday. ⚠️ Important: Beyond Day 3 (Monday), — two probabilistic thresholds of 15% and 30% can be forecast. Highlighted areas are equivalent to 2-SLGT-yellow or 3-ENH-orange risks on the Day 1-3 Convective Outlooks. Now is the time to make plans in the event severe weather approaches your location! Folks with plans this weekend, particularly outdoor plans, need to remain aware and have a reliable source for weather alerts!