Red Flag Warnings are in effect across parts of Wyoming and south-central Montana, where unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds are creating critical fire weather conditions.
The National Weather Service offices in Riverton, Cheyenne and Billings have issued the warnings.
Central and Southwest Wyoming
NWS Riverton has a Red Flag Warning from noon to 6 p.m. MDT today.
It covers Sweetwater County, including Rock Springs BLM and Flaming Gorge, plus Natrona County including Casper BLM, Casper Mountain, and the Granite, Green, Ferris and Rattlesnake Mountains.
West winds of 10 to 15 mph are expected, with gusts up to 30 mph.
Humidity could drop as low as 10 percent, with highs in the upper 70s.
Forecasters warn the mix could cause erratic fire behavior.
Southeast Wyoming
NWS Cheyenne has a Red Flag Warning from noon to 6 p.m. MDT Monday for a portion of southeast Wyoming.
It covers the Middle North Platte River Basin, the Niobrara and Converse High Plains, the North Laramie Range, Shirley Basin, central and west Carbon County, the Laramie Foothills and the Bordeaux/Chugwater/Wheatland area.
West winds of 10 to 20 mph are expected, with gusts up to 35 mph and relative humidity between 10 and 15 percent.
Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
South-Central Montana
NWS Billings has a Red Flag Warning in effect until 8 p.m. MDT this evening.
It covers the Gallatin National Forest, Wheatland, Sweet Grass, Park and Gallatin counties.
West winds of 10 to 20 mph are expected, with gusts up to 35 mph, humidity as low as 12 percent and temperatures up to 87.
The worst conditions are expected across the lower to mid elevations in fine fuels, where fire could spread rapidly.
What a Red Flag Warning Means
A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will shortly.
Strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures together can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Safety Reminders
Avoid outdoor burning and anything that could create a spark, including towing chains, parking on dry grass and equipment use.
Dry, warm and occasionally breezy conditions are expected to continue through the end of the work week, so stay alert to changing fire danger.
For live updates, follow NWS Riverton and NWS Billings on X.
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