OMAHA, Nebraska - Southeast Nebraska is in a Red Flag Warning for an increased risk of fires for Thursday, March 5th.
Paul Fajman is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service and tells KFAB Radio News, "Omaha last month only received .05 inches of precipitation. That was the third driest February on record. We are taking those dry conditions and combining them with very strong wind and low relative humidity. When we have winds that are sustained for three hours over 20 miles per hour and relative humidity below 20%, that is our criteria to issue that Red Flag Warning."
Fajman says anywhere in a line south of Columbus to Omaha will be in that Red Flag Warning. Fire dangers are also high for northeast Nebraska.
There is an elevated risk for brush and grass fires. Fajman says be careful with smoking material and never throw lit cigarettes from a car window. Don't park on dry grass. Those hauling trailers should check for dragging chains as sparks can sometimes start a fire. There will be no open burning allowed.
The Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.