A red flag warning remains in effect in the Hays area — and much of the state — until 11 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Dodge City warned.
With an expected high in the mid-to upper-70s and humidity below 10 percent, conditions are ideal for wildfires that could rapidly spread as the wind picks up through the day. Blowing dust could also reduce visibility, the NWS said.
Tuesday afternoon, the wind is expected to be sustained at 25 to 32 mph, gusting near 50 mph.
The mercury is expected to take a 50-degree nosedive to an overnight low in the mid-20s. The high on a breezy Wednesday is only expected to reach 50 degrees before beginning to tick up into the 60s heading into the weekend.
By Saturday and Sunday, high temperatures nearing 80 are possible.