The United States is facing extreme weather conditions, including high fire risks in the central and western states and a heavy winter storm in the Northern Plains.
As per the National Weather Service (NWS), Southern Colorado faces another day of damaging winds on February 18, causing blowing dust, hazardous travel, difficult travel and potentially fire risk on the plains. Meanwhile, mountain areas are expected to experience blowing snow.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 10 AM to 7 PM. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Wednesday morning through the evening. Very dangerous fire weather conditions will exist across the region today due to low humidity values 10-15%, and very strong winds. #cowx pic.twitter.com/VI0G15Cm5Z
— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) February 17, 2026
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Southwest Kansas this Wednesday, February 18, due to critical fire weather conditions creating a high risk for wildfire spread. The warning covers numerous counties, including Ford, Finney, and Seward, from 11 AM to 8 PM CST.
According to a report in USA Today, a severe fire threat was issued for multiple central and western US states on Monday, with red flag warnings in place for Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Texas, and Nebraska.
The National Weather Service has issued an advisory, citing high winds, warmer temperatures, and low humidity, which are elevating the threat of wildfires in dry regions.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 10 AM to 7 PM. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Wednesday morning through the evening. Very dangerous fire weather conditions will exist across the region today due to low humidity values 10-15%, and very strong winds. #cowx pic.twitter.com/VI0G15Cm5Z
— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) February 17, 2026
The US Drought Monitor stated that nearly the whole region is facing moderate to severe drought conditions.
Heavy Snow and Storm Updates
Meanwhile, the northern Plains are bracing for heavy snow, with widespread snowfall expected in the Sierra and Intermountain West. A swath of wintry weather will impact the Upper Midwest to New England, while another storm will bring snow to the northern and central Plains on Wednesday and Thursday.
Periods of heavy snow and strong winds will continue along the Continental Divide through Thursday morning, with Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories in effect.
Periods of snow will continue into Thu morning along the Continental Divide, where Winter Storm Warnings & Winter Weather Advisories remain in place. Heaviest snowfall over the ern San Juans around Wolf Creek Pass, where an additional foot of snow is possible. #cowx pic.twitter.com/rq8h0TlhBB
— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) February 18, 2026
Temperature Outlook
Above-average temperatures are expected in the central to eastern US, while the western US remains cooler and below average. Highs in the 70s are forecasted for parts of the central Plains and Midwest, 30-40 degrees above mid-February averages.
Precautions
"A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger," as per NWS.
Tips for those living in affected areas include:
- Do not burn outdoor fires
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Do not toss cigarettes on the ground
- Keep grass and vegetation short and watered
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