High fire danger this afternoon

By News 9 Meteorologist Nick Bender

The risk for wildfires will reach very high, to extreme levels across central and western Oklahoma this afternoon. Warm and very dry conditions, coupled with brisk southwest winds and still dry, dormant vegetation over western Oklahoma, have resulted in the issuance of a Red Flag Warning for an area confined mainly west of Interstate-35. The Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6 P.M. Saturday evening.

Afternoon temperatures will climb into the 60s and lower 70s with southwest winds averaging 15-30 mph with higher gusts. Relative humidity values will drop below 20% during the mid to late afternoon hours. 

The risk for wildfires will remain elevated each afternoon through Wednesday.

Stay with News 9 and News9.com, we'll keep you advised.