‘Extreme fire danger’ in Texas this week: Track potential fires, smoke on this wildfire map

High winds and dry conditions have significantly heightened the fire risk across Texas, prompting officials to warn of “extreme fire danger” in West Texas, stretching from the Big Bend region through the Permian Basin and north to the South Plains.

The National Weather Service cautions that strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures could create “critical fire weather conditions” in southern New Mexico and far West Texas, increasing the wildfire threat Monday.

As of Monday morning, a red flag warning covered most of West Texas, including Lubbock, Odessa, and San Angelo, extending west to Hudspeth County. Meanwhile, fire risks in Central and North Texas had temporarily eased.

However, elevated fire danger is expected to return Tuesday, with “very high” to “extreme” risk— the highest of five levels — projected across at least 200 of Texas’ 254 counties, according to a map from the Texas A&M Forest Service.

The NWS forecasts 25 to 40 mph winds, with gusts up to 60 mph, and humidity dropping as low as 6%. While winds are expected to weaken Tuesday, fire risk still remains high, and strong gusts could return later in the week.

Wildfire map: Track potential fires and smoke in Texas

What is a Fire Weather Watch vs. Red Flag Warning?

A Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions supports extreme fire danger, according to the National Weather Service.

Each NWS office creates local criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings.

The key differences are that:

• A Fire Weather Watch is issued up to 72 hours before the above conditions are expected to occur.
• A Red Flag Warning is issued when the conditions above are expected to occur or are occurring within the next 24 hours.

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