Red Flag Warning for Oct. 17, 2024, (NWS Hastings, Courtesy)
TRI-CITIES — For the second day in a row this week, a Red Flag Warning has been issued across central Nebraska due to “high-end to locally extreme” fire weather conditions.
According to the National Weather Service – Hastings, the warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior,” per NWS Hastings.
Winds will be out of the south at 25-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity will be as low as 20 percent. In addition, due to the worsening drought conditions and lack of rainfall, potential fuels are extremely dry.
The NWS Hastings notes that all of this will produce, “one of the most dangerous fire weather days we’ve had this year. It can’t be stressed enough that persons engaging in activities known to be at greater risk for fire starts use extreme caution and vigilance, and it should be assumed that all fires will be at risk for rapid spread and intensification.”
