WASHINGTON, DC — Fire weather alerts are in place across parts of five states as the National Weather Service warns that a tight mix of heat, strong wind and very dry air could turn small fires into fast-moving wildfires. The warnings cover broad stretches of the Northern Plains and interior Alaska, with Monday expected to be the roughest day.
Where the warnings stretch
In North Dakota, the critical fire weather area includes western and much of central North Dakota, along with the James River Valley. South Dakota’s highest risk is centered on western and central areas, including the Badlands and nearby plains, with additional warnings in south-central counties.
Nebraska has nearly all of its central and western sections under warning, including the Sandhills and nearby wildlife refuge areas. In Montana, the alert zone covers southeastern and northeastern portions of the state, especially areas along and north of Interstate 94.
Alaska joins the alert zone
Delta Junction in interior Alaska is also under a red flag warning, and forecasters say the elevated fire danger there could last into Monday evening. That puts the region in the same broad weather pattern affecting the Plains, where dry fuels and strong winds are lining up at the same time.
Wind, heat and dry air
Officials say winds are expected to run from 15 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts that could reach 45 to 50 mph in some spots. Humidity may fall to between 10 and 20 percent, while temperatures in parts of the Plains climb into the upper 80s and 90s.
The National Weather Service also warned that shifting wind direction, often tied to passing cold fronts, could make fire behavior harder to predict. Isolated storms in some areas could add erratic gusts and increase the chance that flames spread suddenly.
How residents should respond
Forecasters say any fire that starts could move quickly and become extremely difficult to control, especially across grassland and rural areas. Residents are being urged to avoid outdoor burning, keep machinery and vehicles from throwing sparks, and properly dispose of cigarettes and other flammable materials.
Outdoor tasks that can spark a fire, including burning yard waste, grilling, and using tools such as chain saws or grinders, should be put off for now. The National Weather Service says the critical fire weather could last into Tuesday and remain a concern later in the week, especially in parts of the Dakotas.
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