BROKEN BOW — Elevated wildfire concerns are expected across north central and southwest Nebraska on Wednesday, June 17, as hot, dry, and windy conditions move into the region.
The National Weather Service in North Platte has issued a Fire Weather Watch for nearly all of its forecast area, including Custer County in north central Nebraska and Frontier County in southwest Nebraska. The watch will be in effect from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday.
Forecasters say northwest winds are expected to increase to 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 50 miles per hour. Relative humidity values could fall as low as 17 percent, while temperatures climb into the 80s and 90s.
According to the National Weather Service, a Fire Weather Watch means critical fire weather conditions are possible. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and watch for possible Red Flag Warnings.
The heightened fire danger comes as wildfire activity remains a concern across western Nebraska. The South Fork Fire near Crawford had burned 38,914 acres and was 55 percent contained as of Monday.
The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 said fire danger was expected to rise quickly through Wednesday due to increasing temperatures and lower humidity. Officials also noted that fire lines could be tested during that stretch, especially on Wednesday, when the strongest winds are expected.
