Warm and windy Friday ahead with extreme fire danger in Omaha area. Meteorologist Sean Everson has the latest forecast from Omaha’s Weather Leader.
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Red flag warnings active across central US amid threat of ‘extreme fire behavior’
Red flag warnings were active across multiple states in the central U.S. as forecasters warned that high winds, warmer temperatures and low humidity is elevating the threat of wildfires in the dry region.
The states under the urgent fire warnings were South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and western Illinois, according to the National Weather Service. Wind advisories stretched from North Dakota to West Virginia.
Winds across the region could reach speeds of 20 to 30 mph with some gusts up to 50 mph, according to the weather service.
Meanwhile, forecasters said above average temperatures will set in across the Midwest with highs running well into the 50s and 60s across the Plains and Midwest.
“A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior,” the weather service office in Omaha, Nebraska, warned. “Take extra precautions to avoid sparks, and closely monitor any smoldering fires that burned in recent days.”
Nearly the entire region is experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Nebraska fire crews keep a close eye on high fire danger
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – With the warmer weather, it opens the door the door for high fire danger.
Fire departments in Nebraska are expecting Friday to be a concerning day, as the temperature rises and the wind increases.
As much of the lingering snow melts away, not a lot of moisture was left behind.
“I think the common misconception that that snow would be moisture in the soil in the ground, the problem is we haven‘t gotten much snow this winter so we’ve been in perpetual drought,” said Benjamin Bohall, Nebraska Forest Service Public Information Officer.
While February may feel early to start talking about fires, it’s not uncommon to see them spark at this time.
Many of the fields across Nebraska are not yet mowed, making it easier for fires today.
“It’s gonna make a very busy day if we do have a small fire that can grow very quickly with the right type of fuel around it. It’s all gonna be dependent on where did that spark originate at,” said Waverly Fire Chief Ryan Mueller.
According to the Nebraska Forest Service, over 90% of the fires in Nebraska are caused by humans, about 10% higher than the national average.
Mueller encourages people to watch where the winds are going and to not have any bonfires.
Other common starters include monitored debris burns and mechanical failures.
Governor Jim Pillen declared a State of Emergency for multiple fires that started burning earlier this week in Dawes and Custer counties.
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