Strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures will drastically increase the risk of wildfires across western Kansas on Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City warned.
A strong southwest wind will begin to pick up Monday evening. By Tuesday, winds will be sustained at 27 to 37 mph, gusting up to 50 mph. Blowing dust could reduce visibility.
A fire weather watch is in place into Tuesday evening, and a burn ban is in effect in Ellis County.
The mercury will jump to 74 degrees on Tuesday before a cooldown overnight. The high Wednesday is only expected to be 50 degrees.
The only chance of precipitation in the long-range forecast is a 20 percent chance of rain Saturday evening.