Oklahoma City Basks in 70s Heat as Fierce Winds Spike Fire Danger

Oklahoma City is getting a spring preview on Tuesday, February 24, with bright sunshine, a brisk south-southwest breeze and temperatures headed for the low 70s. It may feel nice out the door, but forecasters warn that the warm, dry air paired with gusty winds means even a small spark could turn into a fast-moving fire, as reported by the National Weather Service.

Afternoon Winds Pick Up

Forecasters expect a high near 71°F across the metro this afternoon, with south-southwest winds blowing at 15 to 22 mph and gusts that could reach 33 mph. Those winds will kick up dust and make it tougher for high-profile vehicles to stay steady on the road. Mixing in the lower atmosphere could briefly punch wind gusts even higher in parts of central Oklahoma, and these blustery conditions are likely to hang around through the afternoon, according to National Weather Service Norman.

Red Flag Warning In Effect

The National Weather Service has a Red Flag Warning posted for much of central Oklahoma from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST Tuesday. Forecasters say relative humidity could sink to around 10 percent, while winds may gust up to 35 mph. The office cautioned that "any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly," and is urging extra caution for anyone working or recreating around dry grass or brush. More specifics are available from the National Weather Service Norman.

How To Plan Today

Local authorities recommend putting off outdoor burning and grill get-togethers for now. If you must cook outside, keep grills and fuel at least 10 feet from any structure, and secure patio furniture and trash bins that could blow away in the stronger gusts. If you spot smoke, call 911 with as precise a location as possible, and keep pets indoors while winds stay high.

Looking Ahead

Warm, dry weather is expected to stick around through the middle of the week, with another unseasonably warm day Wednesday and a high near 75°F. Elevated fire concerns are likely to continue into Friday and Saturday. A cold front arriving late Saturday may finally bring showers and cooler air, but until then the safest bet is to steer clear of open flames while the Red Flag Warning remains in effect.