Fire Weather Watch Issued for Southwest Nebraska Including North Platte and Ogallala as 50 MPH Wind Gusts and Near-70° Heat Raise Wildfire Risk
NEBRASKA — A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for southwest Nebraska, where strong, gusty winds combined with unseasonably warm temperatures and low humidity are expected to create dangerous wildfire conditions Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, the primary concern is strong to significant wind gusts, which could rapidly spread any fire that develops.
Timing and Impact Area
The Fire Weather Watch is in effect:
- Wednesday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM MST
Counties across southwest Nebraska are included, with highlighted communities such as:
- North Platte
- Ogallala
- Imperial
- Curtis
- Oshkosh
- Ellsworth
Additional areas across western and central Nebraska will also see elevated to near-critical fire weather concerns extending into Thursday and Friday.
Why Conditions Are Dangerous
Forecasters are pointing to a combination of three key factors:
- Temperatures: Upper 60s to near 70°F (20–25 degrees above normal for late February)
- Winds: West to west-northwest at 15–25 mph, with gusts reaching 45 to 50 mph
- Humidity: Dropping to around 20 percent
While humidity may remain slightly above strict “critical” thresholds, officials say the magnitude of wind gusts significantly increases the risk of rapid fire spread.
Elevated Risk Extends Beyond Wednesday
The fire weather concern does not end after Wednesday.
The National Weather Service indicates:
- Elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions are expected Thursday
- Continued fire concerns Friday across much of western and central Nebraska
Communities including Broken Bow, Burwell, Ainsworth, Valentine, Gordon, O’Neill, and Butte could see ongoing fire weather concerns as warm and dry conditions persist.
Rapid Fire Spread Possible
Officials are warning that any fire starts could spread quickly and become difficult to control, especially in open grassland areas typical of western Nebraska.
Strong wind gusts near 50 mph can:
- Push flames rapidly across dry vegetation
- Cause spot fires ahead of the main blaze
- Complicate suppression efforts
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and use extreme caution with equipment that could generate sparks.
Bottom Line
Southwest Nebraska, including North Platte, Ogallala, Imperial and surrounding communities, faces heightened wildfire risk Wednesday afternoon due to strong winds, warm temperatures and low humidity.
Additional fire weather concerns are expected Thursday and Friday across western and central Nebraska.
Stay with WaldronNews.com for continued severe weather and fire weather updates across the Plains.