####018001758#### FNUS21 KWNS 260801 FWDDY1 Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0201 AM CST Mon Feb 26 2024 Valid 261200Z - 271200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL HIGH PLAINS.... ...Synopsis... Strong westerly flow aloft is forecast to overspread much of the central US as an upstream Pacific trough begins to merge with an enhanced subtropical jet. A strong lee low and trailing surface trough will develop across the Plains bolstering surface winds. Widespread low humidity and warm temperatures accompanying the strong winds will support elevated to critical fire-weather conditions. ...Southern and central Plains... Increasingly strong flow aloft is expected to overspread the southern and central Rockies/High Plains through the day today. Aided by a strengthening lee trough and the flow aloft, gusty west/southwesterly surface winds are likely across much of the Plains. Unusually warm surface temperatures in the 70s and 80s F along with downslope drying will favor afternoon RH values of 15-20%. Meteorological conditions will likely support widespread critical fire-weather conditions across parts of eastern CO/NM into west TX and OK where area fuels have undergone significant drying. Farther north, stronger downslope winds are expected in the lee of the central Rockies along with RH below 20%. Updated fuel guidance points to slightly more receptive fuels than the previous days. Widespread elevated to near-critical fire-weather conditions are possible from eastern WY and western NE to portions of the Midwest. ..Lyons.. 02/26/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... $$