High Wind Warning, Red Flag Warning Friday: Wildfires more likely, harder to fight

The National Weather Service says a critical to extreme fire weather threat will be in place across North and Central Texas on Friday due to above-normal temperatures, very gusty winds, and exceptionally dry conditions that will make wildfires more likely and more difficult to fight.

On Friday, a Red Flag Warning is in effect for all of North and Central Texas from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., and a High Wind Warning is in effect for North Texas from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. A Red Flag Warning is issued when critical fire weather conditions are occurring or about to occur.

Friday's High Wind Warning will be in effect for winds out of the south/southwest, expected to be between 20 and 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. The NWS said gusts will frequently be in the 50 mph range. Blowing dust is likely to impact North Texas.

Click here to see all North Texas weather alerts

Humidity will be very low at 10%, and temperatures will be between 73 and 86 degrees. Dry conditions will also contribute to the fire risk. There is no rain in the forecast and vegetation is very dry. These conditions make a rapid spread of wildfires possible.

High winds could impact trees, power lines, and property. Assume any downed line is energized and a threat to life. Secure loose objects in your yard before the wind arrives. Power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Warm and dry conditions will continue across the region through the weekend and next week. An elevated to critical fire weather threat will linger through at least the middle part of next week.

The big concern on Friday is that if a fire does start, it could quickly become extreme due to these weather conditions.

Fire danger threat levels

The National Weather Service has three fire threat levels: Elevated, Critical, and Extreme.

The Fire Threat is a combination of Fire Danger, as provided by the Texas A&M Forest Service, and the following weather conditions: wind, humidity, low-mid level atmospheric stability, dry lightning activity, and solar energy. 

The Fire Threat is supposed to indicate when wildfires would be hard to suppress or control and therefore pose a risk to life and property.

The NWS said Extreme fire threats are rare. The last time most of North Texas was under a Red Flag Warning was in 2023. For Rockwall, Collin and Grayson counties, and counties to the NE, it's been since 2022. Counties including and west of Jack, Palo Pinto, Erath, Comanche and Hamilton were last under a Red Flag Warning on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service offers these steps you can take to lower the risk of fires igniting and ensure your safety:

Avoid outdoor burning

During red-flag fire conditions, outdoor burning, including the burning of brush or trash, should be avoided. Sparks or embers can easily ignite nearby grass or leaves, leading to a wildfire.

Properly dispose of cigarettes and matches

If you smoke, never throw cigarettes or matches outside of a moving vehicle, as they can ignite dry grass on the side of the road and start a wildfire. Ensure that all smoking materials are fully extinguished before disposing of them safely.

Avoid using machinery that can create sparks

During red flag conditions, be careful not to drag trailer chains that may cause sparks. It’s also best to avoid using lawnmowers or any outdoor machinery that could create sparks and ignite fires.

Don't drive or park on dry grass

Drivers should avoid parking or driving in areas with tall, dry grass which the vehicle's exhaust system can cause to catch fire.

Have an evacuation plan

The Texas A&M Forest Service also urges Texans to have a plan if there's an evacuation because of wildfire danger, including identifying at least two evacuation routes and saving them in your navigation system or phone.

Texans should also assemble a "Go Kit" that meets the needs of all family members and start with the five P’s:

• People and Pets – plan for the whole family, including pets and livestock.
• Prescriptions – bring extra medication, eyeglasses, hearing aids and medical equipment including necessary batteries and power cords.
• Papers – include copies of insurance information, phone numbers and other important documents.
• Personal needs – pack personal items including clothes, food, water, toiletries, first aid kit, cash, computers/tablets, phones, chargers and sanitation supplies.
• Priceless items – include items of sentimental value, such as pictures, heirlooms and irreplaceable memorabilia.

Stay informed during severe weather season with our news and weather apps for phones, tablets and TVs. On phones and tablets, choose the breaking and weather alerts you want to receive. More details and links to app stores are here.