Red Flag Warnings issued as wildfire risk grows in central U.S. plains

Warm temperatures, low relative humidities, and windy conditions are expected to spread into the Central to Northern Plains over the next two days, increasing the risk of wildfires across these areas.

Red Flag Warnings are currently in effect across much of South Dakota, Nebraska into northwest Kansas, affecting approximately 2 million people.

Dry winds of 24–40 km/h (15–25 mph), gusting up to 65 km/h (40 mph), will contribute to elevated fire risk when combined with humidity levels of 15–20% in the warning areas. Winds are also expected to strengthen Saturday across Florida in the wake of an intensifying cold front sinking southeast. These increasingly windy conditions and lowering relative humidities will also increase the fire weather risk for central Florida on Saturday.

The prescribed fires in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota have been postponed due to the warnings. “The Hell Canyon Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest will begin the 29 km (18 miles) prescribed fire when conditions are favorable,” said the US Forest Service.

An estimated area of roughly 356 ha (880 acres) of land will be burned to maintain forest health and protect management investments in the interest of sustained timber productivity.

Prescribed fires reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildfires.

The issue of a Red Flag Warning implies that critical fire weather is either expected or is already affecting the warning areas.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised residents to avoid all forms of outdoor burning through Thursday, as fires will spread rapidly due to strong winds and low humidity across the region.

Reference:

¹ Red Flag Warning – NWS – April 10, 2025

²Black Hills National Forest Continues Prescribed Fires – USFS – April 9, 2025

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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