Red Flag Warning Issued for Southeast Texas: Critical Fire Conditions Expected Monday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are imminent or occurring, replacing the previous Fire Weather Watch for the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers a broad portion of Southeast Texas, including the following counties and geographic zones:

• Counties: Madison, Walker, San Jacinto, Polk, Burleson, Brazos, Washington, Grimes, Montgomery, Colorado, Austin, Waller, Chambers, Wharton, and Fort Bend.
• Regional Zones: Northern and Southern Liberty; Inland and Coastal Harris; Inland and Coastal Jackson; Inland and Coastal Matagorda; Inland and Coastal Brazoria; and Inland and Coastal Galveston.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are urged to take the following precautions:

• Avoid Outdoor Burning: Outdoor burning is not recommended due to the high risk of fire spread.
• Follow Local Laws: Obey all local burn restrictions and official burn bans.
• Stay Prepared: Be ready to respond quickly, as any fires that develop will be capable of spreading rapidly under these conditions.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: North winds are forecast at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
• Relative Humidity: Humidity levels are expected to drop as low as 15 percent.
• Impact: The combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is effective from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT on Monday, March 16, 2026.