Winter forecasts often include winter storm or blizzard warnings. Lately, the weather forecasts have included a different type of warning: RED flag warnings. Although more common in the forest areas of the Western United states, the RED flag warnings have been a frequent feature in the central plains this winter. A step above the Range Fire Danger extreme category, a RED flag warning is a warning for critical fire danger. A RED flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring, or will shortly. These include a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures. They create an atmosphere with explosive fire growth potential. Any spark has the potential to create a devastating fire. Use appropriate caution.
Mary Knapp, Weather Data Library
mknapp@ksu.edu