The National Weather Service in North Platte has issued a Red Flag Warning for western and north central Nebraska, which is in effect from 10 AM CDT /9 AM MDT/ to 8 PM CDT /7 PM MDT/ Thursday.
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 204 Eastern Panhandle/Crescent Lake NWR, Fire Weather Zone 206 Sandhills/Valentine NWR/Nebraska National Forest, Fire Weather Zone 208 Niobrara Valley/Fort Niobrara NWR/Samuel R McKelvie National Forest, Fire Weather Zone 209 Loup Rivers Basin, Fire Weather Zone 210 Frenchman Basin and Fire Weather Zone 219 Loess Plains.
* TIMING...Today through 9pm CDT, Thursday from 10AM CDT/9AM MDT to 8PM CDT/7PM MDT.
* WINDS...Southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph for today. West to Northwest 20 to 35 mph with gusts of 45 mph or greater.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent today and Thursday
* TEMPERATURES...Up to 88 today, up to 77 Thursday.
* LIGHTNING...Dry lightning possible late this afternoon and evening, especially west of Highway 83.
* IMPACTS...Any fire starts may rapidly grow and spread. Gusty, erratic winds will be possible with thunderstorms.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
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