A red flag warning is in effect for Ellis County and most of parched western Kansas through 9 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.
The north wind will pick up through the day, sustained and 25 to 30 mph with gusts near 50 mph possible. Blowing dust could reduce visibility, as well, the NWS warned.
The winds will calm during the day Saturday, but will shift back to south wind by Saturday evening, with gusts around 45 mph possible.
The high Saturday will be in the mid-60s, the NWS said, increasing to the mow- to mid-70s Sunday.
The high on Thursday reached 78 degrees — warm, but not close to the all-time record of 95 degrees in 1946.
There is no precipitation predicted for the Hays area in the long-term forecast, the NWS said.