Red Flag Warning Issued for Eastern Kentucky Due to High Winds and Low Humidity

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Jackson has issued a Red Flag Warning for Eastern Kentucky. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are either currently occurring or are imminent due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures.

Affected Areas

The warning covers a broad region including the following fire weather zones and counties: Fleming, Montgomery, Bath, Rowan, Estill, Powell, Menifee, Rockcastle, Jackson, Pulaski, Laurel, Wayne, McCreary, Whitley, Knox, Bell, Harlan, Elliott, Morgan, Johnson, Wolfe, Magoffin, Floyd, Lee, Breathitt, Knott, Owsley, Perry, Clay, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, and Pike.

What You Should Do

Outdoor burning is not recommended under these conditions. Residents should be aware that any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. A Red Flag Warning signifies that extreme fire behavior is possible, and individuals should prepare accordingly.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: Southwest winds between 10 and 25 mph are expected, with gusts ranging from 35 to 50 mph. The strongest winds are forecast to occur north of the Mountain Parkway.
• Humidity: Relative humidity values are expected to bottom out in the 20 to 30 percent range for most locations.
• Impacts: The combination of high winds and low humidity creates an environment where fires can spread quickly and become difficult to control.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to remain in effect until 7:00 PM EDT this evening, March 13, 2026.