Red Flag Warning in effect for Friday, March 21, (NWS Hastings, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Despite the latest precipitation from the recent blizzard, a Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of central Nebraska during the afternoon and evening of Thursday, March 21.
According to the National Weather Service – Hastings, the warning is in effect from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The counties under the warning in the NWS Hastings area include Valley, Greely, Sherman, Dawson, Buffalo, Gosper, Phelps and Furnas.
Northwest winds are expected to blow at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 to 45 mph. Relative humidity will drop as low as 15 to 20 percent across the area.
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.
Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Near-critical to critical fire weather conditions are possible both Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23.
