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FNUS22 KWNS 141956

FWDDY2



Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook  

NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK

0155 PM CST Sat Feb 14 2026



Valid 151200Z - 161200Z



...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR NORTHWESTERN NEBRASKA AND FAR

SOUTH-CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA...



...Northwestern Nebraska and far South-Central South Dakota...

Increasing westerly flow at the crest of an upper-level ridge is

expected Sunday. A corresponding lee trough forming across the

northern/central Plains will enhance surface winds across the

region. A low-level jet collocated atop the broader southwest

surface wind field in northwestern NE and far south-central SD,

along with RH reductions to 15-20% and markedly dry fuels should

yield a few hours of critical fire weather conditions across the

area Sunday afternoon where critical highlights have been added.



...Central High Plains...

Slight modifications to the existing broad region of elevated

highlights were needed owing to recent precipitation across portions

of eastern CO and western KS. Expanding upper-level cloud cover over

the High Plains adjacent to the CO Front Range could reduce boundary

layer mixing and subsequent surface wind speeds for the area,

mitigating a broader fire weather concern. Downslope enhanced winds

of 15-25 mph with higher gusts should emerge south of the Palmer

Divide amid afternoon RH of around 15%. However, recent observed

rainfall between 0.10-0.40" should temporarily mitigate an otherwise

critical fire weather environment across the area.



..Williams.. 02/14/2026



.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1209 AM CST Sat Feb 14 2026/



...Synopsis...

Mid-level shortwave ridging is expected to be over the southern

Rockies during the day on Sunday with a weak jet max near the apex

of the ridge over northern Colorado and southern Wyoming. This

should result in dry, breezy conditions across parts of the central

and northern High Plains and downslope flow along the Front Range in

Colorado. RH near 15-20% is expected along in the presence of winds

near 15-20 mph with localized higher winds possible near the

mountainous terrain. These factors along with dry fuels in the area

prompted the addition of an Elevated area across portions of the

central and northern High Plains. Precipitation is expected across

parts of northwestern Kansas and eastern Colorado, with the much of

the wetting rains expected to remain south of the Elevated risk

area. However, if more or less rain falls than expected, adjustments

may be needed in this area.



...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...



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