Red Flag Warning and High Wind Watches issued across central U.S. as strong northwesterly winds develop
Strong northwesterly winds and very low humidity will bring critical fire weather conditions across eastern Colorado and western Kansas on Thursday, January 15, 2026, prompting the National Weather Service in Goodland to issue a Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch. At the same time, high wind watches have been issued across the northern and central Great Plains, with gusts up to 120 km/h (75 mph) expected Thursday through Friday, January 16.
Image credit: Cal Fire
The National Weather Service (NWS) offices across the central and northern United States have issued multiple Red Flag Warnings and High Wind Watches ahead of an intense wind event forecast through Thursday and Friday, January 15 and 16.
In eastern Colorado and western Kansas, a Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 08:00 to 17:00 MST on Thursday, covering Fire Weather Zones 013, 027, 253, and 254, including Sherman, Wallace, Kit Carson, and Cheyenne Counties. A Fire Weather Watch will follow from late Thursday night through Friday afternoon as conditions remain favorable for rapid fire spread.
Forecasts call for sustained northwesterly winds of 50–65 km/h (30–40 mph) and gusts up to 95 km/h (60 mph), with relative humidity as low as 14%.
These conditions, combined with dry fuels, could produce unpredictable fire behavior and make new ignitions difficult to control. The NWS advised citizens to comply with burn bans, avoid driving or parking on dry grass, and refrain from any outdoor burning activities.
Meanwhile, high wind watches are in effect across much of Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and northern Colorado.
Forecast models indicate widespread gusts of 100–120 km/h (60–75 mph) from Thursday afternoon through Friday evening. The strongest winds are expected across the South Laramie Range and Foothills, including the I-80 Summit between Cheyenne and Laramie, where gusts could exceed 120 km/h (75 mph).
Farther north, strong winds are also forecast for parts of Montana, including Blaine, Custer, and Carter Counties, with gusts reaching 95 km/h (60 mph). Similar conditions will affect the Dakotas, where power outages, damaged infrastructure, and travel disruptions are possible.
The NWS warned that strong winds combined with dry air will create conditions favorable for rapid grassfire spread across portions of Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Reduced visibility due to blowing dust is likely in open areas, particularly along major highways such as I-70 and I-80.
Residents across the affected regions are urged to monitor local forecasts and prepare for high-impact wind and fire conditions through Friday.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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