Weather conditions could spread outdoor fires in KC, weather service warns
The Kansas City area is facing a high fire danger Thursday as low humidity, warm temperatures and gusty winds are expected to create circumstances where fires could quickly burn dangerously out of control, the National Weather Service warned.
“Hold on to your hats, matches, & cigarettes!” the weather service said on Twitter. “High fire danger is expected today as dry conditions coupled w/ winds gusting out of the NW to 30-40 mph will lead to Red Flag conditions. Outdoor burning should be avoided as anything that does ignite will quickly burn out of control.”
A red flag warning has been issued for the Kansas City area that runs from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday.
The relative humidity is expected to fall in the low to mid-20s in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 50s to mid-60s. Meanwhile, wind gusts of up to 40 mph are possible, the weather service said.
Slightly wetter conditions and lighter winds on Friday should mitigate fire weather concerns, although there will be an elevated risk in the afternoon. There is a slight chance for rain across northeast Missouri on Friday, but rainfall totals are expected to be light.
The forecast is looking dry for the weekend and into much of next week. Temperatures will continue to fall, with a widespread freeze possible on Monday and Tuesday nights, the weather service said.
