Grass fire in progress, (Brian Neben, Courtesy)
HASTINGS — Strong wind gusts will impact the area this afternoon and contribute to near critical fire weather conditions in parts of central Nebraska.
A wind shift today will bring warmer temperatures with highs expected to reach the upper 40s and 50s. Winds will increase out of the northwest as the pressure gradient strengthens, the highest winds will occur between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The highest gusts will be between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Winds will drop off later this evening but gusts over 20 mph could still occur after midnight.
Near critical fire weather conditions are expected this afternoon due to low relative humidity values under 25 percent. The lowest values will be west of Osborne to Franklin, south of Interstate 80.
The lowest values will take place from 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Relative humidity won’t be as low across the rest of the area, but favorable conditions for rapid fire growth are still present.
