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Hundreds of Thousands Under Wildfire Warnings as Temperatures Surge
Abnormally warm winter weather prompts Red Flag Warnings across central U.S. states.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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Hundreds of thousands of people are under warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) on Monday as temperatures surge as much as 25 degrees above average in some places, creating dangerous wildfire conditions across the central U.S. Red Flag Warnings are in effect across several parts of the country, including Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico, where dry air, gusty winds, and unseasonably warm temperatures have increased the risk of rapid fire spread.
Why it matters
The combination of dry conditions, high winds, and record-breaking temperatures for this time of year has elevated the wildfire threat across a large swath of the central United States. Any fires that start could spread rapidly, posing a risk to public safety and property. This highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change, which is contributing to more extreme weather events and heightened wildfire risks, even in the middle of winter.
The details
The NWS has issued Red Flag Warnings for areas where the fire danger is particularly high, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico. In Amarillo, Texas, temperatures could reach the low 80s, which is about 25 degrees above normal for this time of year. Similarly, much of Oklahoma is under a Red Flag Warning, with forecasters warning of elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions. Across Colorado, southern, central, and northern parts of the state are at risk, with low humidity and gusty winds creating conditions favorable for rapid fire growth. The threat extends into Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico as well.
- On Monday, February 9, 2026, the National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings across several central U.S. states.
- Temperatures are forecast to remain well above average through at least February 22, 2026, according to the NWS Climate Prediction Center.
The players
National Weather Service (NWS)
The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts, and warnings for the United States.
Trent Hoffeditz
A meteorologist with the NWS office in Amarillo, Texas.
What they’re saying
“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
— NWS Amarillo (NWS)
“Elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions are forecast across much of Oklahoma and western-north Texas on Monday afternoon and early evening.”
— NWS office in Norman, Oklahoma (NWS)
What’s next
The NWS will continue to monitor the situation and issue updated warnings and forecasts as needed. Residents in the affected areas are advised to avoid outdoor burning and activities that could spark a fire, as any ignitions could quickly grow out of control.
The takeaway
This extreme winter weather event highlights the growing threat of climate change, which is contributing to more frequent and intense weather patterns that increase the risk of wildfires, even in the middle of the traditional 'off-season.' Proactive steps to mitigate fire risks and adapt to a changing climate will be crucial for protecting communities in the central U.S. and beyond.
