'Red Flag' Fire Warning Issued in 1 U.S. State

When one thinks of winter weather, snow, ice and sleet immediately come to mind. Seasonal conditions can also pose a different--and much warmer--hazard though.

High winds, when paired with low humidity, create the ideal environment for potentially serious fires. Right now, portions of Wyoming are under a "Red Flag Warning" from the National Weather Service, the most serious fire alert the organization can issue.

What is a 'Red Flag Warning'?

By the NWS definition, a "Fire Weather Watch" or "Red Flag Warning" is issued "when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions support extreme fire danger."

"These products are written for land and fire managers to highlight the increased fire danger," the NWS says.

A "Fire Weather Watch" is announced up to 72 hours before the required conditions are expected to occur. A "Red Flag Warning," meanwhile, is more urgent, issued when conditions "are expected to occur or are occurring within the next 24 hours."

What does today's 'Red Flag Warning' in Wyoming mean?

Issued late Tuesday morning by the NWS Cheyenne office, the "Red Flag Warning" impacts the North Snowy Range Foothills and Southern Laramie Valley, specifically fire zones 427 and 428.

"A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly," the NWS warning reads. "A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."

The alert remains in place until 5 p.m. local time today, with wind gusts out of the southwest between 40 and 50 mph and humidity between 10 and 15 percent.

Because of these conditions, any fires that start have the potential to spread rapidly, and outdoor burning is not recommended.

For more weather alerts and advisories from the NWS, you can browse this up-to-date map.