Extreme and Critical fire weather trigger widespread Red Flag Warnings across Plains and Front Range

Extremely critical fire weather conditions developed across parts of eastern Colorado, western Kansas, and the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles on February 17, 2026, as a strengthening storm system produced very strong winds and exceptionally low humidity. Wind gusts locally exceeded 95 km/h (60 mph), while afternoon relative humidity values fell into the single digits. The Storm Prediction Center issued an Extremely Critical Fire Weather Outlook, and multiple National Weather Service offices posted Red Flag Warnings, including Particularly Dangerous Situation designations in some counties. Source