A fire weather watch is in place for the South Plains and southern Panhandle regions Saturday while a red flag warning will be active across the Panhandle as dry and windy conditions are expected, according to the National Weather Service.
Here’s what that means and what people should look out for this weekend.
What is a fire weather watch and Red Flag Warning?
A fire weather watch is issued by NWS when dry fuels, such as grass, and weather conditions could lead to dangers of extreme fires. The combination usually includes high temperatures, sustained high winds, and low humidity. This watch is issued up to 72 hours before conditions are expected to begin.
The same criteria is used to issue Red Flag Warnings, though these are issued within 24 hours of expected conditions’ starting.
What is the fire watch forecast for Lubbock, South Plains area?
Saturday: The watch is in effect from noon-8 p.m. Saturday. Conditions will have winds 15-20 mph with 25 mph gusts, relative humidity as low as 5% and critical fire danger, according to NWS. The high temperature is expected to reach around 97 degrees.
Sunday: Similar to Saturday, it will be sunny and hot with a high around 97 degrees. Wind speed is expected to be between 10-15 mph.
Monday: The high temperature will be around 76 degrees, with winds at the 10-15 mph mark. The night’s low will be around 51 temperatures.
What is the Red Flag Warning forecast for Amarillo and the Panhandle?
Saturday: A Red Flag warning will be in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday for Amarillo and much of the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle region. High temperatures in the mid to uppers 90s with breezy conditions and low humidity are expected to create a high risk for wildfires. Any fires that develop will have the potential to spread very rapidly.
What to do during a fire weather watch
According to NWS:
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her via email at aedgin@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Fire weather watch, red flag warnings for Texas South Plains, Panhandle
Reporting by Alana Edgin, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
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