Red Flag Warning Issued for Central and Eastern Missouri Through Thursday Evening
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for several Missouri counties as high winds and low humidity create conditions for rapid fire spread.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in St Louis MO has issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of Missouri. This alert signifies that critical fire weather conditions are expected to occur, which can contribute to the extreme rate of spread for any fires that ignite.
Affected Areas
The warning impacts portions of central, east central, northeast, south central, and southeast Missouri. The specific counties included in the alert area are:
- Knox
- Shelby
- Monroe
- Boone
- Audrain
- Moniteau
- Cole
- Osage
- Callaway
- Gasconade
- Franklin
- Crawford
- Washington
- Dent
- Iron
- Reynolds
What You Should Do
Outdoor burning is not recommended while the warning is in effect. Residents and workers should be aware that any fires that develop will spread rapidly. It is advised to notify appropriate officials or fire crews in the field regarding this Red Flag Warning to ensure preparedness.
Expected Conditions
Weather conditions in the affected areas are expected to reach critical thresholds for fire danger:
- Winds: Southwest winds ranging from 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph.
- Relative Humidity: Humidity levels are forecasted to drop between 22 and 30 percent.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is effective from 12:00 PM (noon) to 8:00 PM CST on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice
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