Red Flag Warning Issued for Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Starr Counties Through Wednesday Night

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Brownsville TX has issued a Red Flag Warning for Deep South Texas. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or are imminent. The warning was triggered by a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures following the passage of a dryline.

Affected Areas

The following geographic regions in Deep South Texas are included in the warning area:

• Zapata County
• Jim Hogg County
• Starr County

What You Should Do

Outdoor burning is strictly not recommended while the warning is in effect. Residents should be aware that any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Preparation is advised as the combination of environmental factors can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Expected Conditions

Weather conditions in the affected zones have reached critical thresholds for fire danger:

• Winds: Northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph.
• Relative Humidity: Values dropping as low as 15 to 30 percent.
• Temperatures: Mid to upper 90s.
• Drought Conditions: The region is currently experiencing ongoing drought levels ranging from D2 (Severe Drought) to D4 (Exceptional Drought).

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is effective immediately and is set to expire at 11:00 PM CDT on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The National Weather Service notes that breezy conditions and low humidity could result in another day of elevated to critical fire weather conditions on Thursday.