A Red Flag Warning has been issued for parts of central Nebraska for March 17, (NWS Hastings, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — The Red Flag Warning that was issued yesterday has been expanded to include counties along the Highway 183 corridor in central Nebraska for Tuesday, March 17.
The National Weather Service – Hastings has issued the warning for critical fire weather conditions from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. for strong winds and low relative humidity.
The counties included in the warning area Valley, Sherman, Dawson, Buffalo, Gosper, Phelps, Kearney, Furnas and Harlan.
NWS North Platte has issued the same warning for Custer County, and a majority of their western Nebraska counties.
Winds today will shift from the southwest to the northwest, with a sustained 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 to 35 mph. Relative humidity could drop as low as 18 percent in areas.
“The primary fire weather threat for today will occur in areas near and west of a line from Alma to Kearney to Ord as winds shift to the west-northwest this afternoon,” per NWS Hastings.
“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.
Any fire that develops will spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
