Red Flag Warning Issued for Northeast Kansas Counties Through Thursday Evening
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Jefferson, Morris, Wabaunsee, and Shawnee counties due to critical fire weather conditions including 45 mph wind gusts.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of northeast and east-central Kansas. The alert was issued due to a combination of low relative humidity, strong wind gusts, and dry fuels that create critical fire weather conditions.
Affected Areas
The following geographic regions and Fire Weather Zones are included in this warning:
- Jefferson County (Fire Weather Zone 026)
- Morris County (Fire Weather Zone 037)
- Wabaunsee County (Fire Weather Zone 038)
- Shawnee County (Fire Weather Zone 039)
What You Should Do
Outdoor burning is strictly not recommended. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. Residents should be aware that any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Expected Conditions
- Winds: Southwest winds between 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
- Relative Humidity: Levels dropping as low as 22 percent.
- Temperatures: Maximum temperatures reaching up to 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Hazards: Dry fuels and high winds will facilitate rapid fire spread.
Timeline
The warning is effective from 12:00 PM (noon) CDT on Thursday, March 12, 2026, and is scheduled to expire at 8:00 PM CDT on the same day.
Source: NOAA Official Notice
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