Wildfire ‘red flag’ warnings in effect for large chunk of the U.S. Here’s what to know

image via New Scientist

April 23, 2026, 6:00 PM

• •Red flag warnings are in effect for areas in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
• •Warnings are issued based on low humidity, strong winds, and low moisture in vegetation.
• •Climate change and drought are contributing to the increasing risk and intensity of wildfires.
• •People are advised to take precautions to prevent accidental fires.

Wildfire "red flag" warnings are in effect for a large portion of the central U.S., spanning from Texas to Minnesota, due to conditions like low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation. These warnings, issued by the National Weather Service, require extra precautions from residents to prevent accidental fires, including proper extinguishing of outdoor fires. The increasing threat of wildfires is exacerbated by climate change, with warmer nighttime temperatures and a rise in extreme fires. Simultaneously, the Southeast faces ongoing wildfires, and many affected areas are experiencing extreme drought conditions.

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