80° Temps and Wind Raise Fire Threat Across Amarillo

It's been an unseasonably warm winter in Amarillo. Now, don't get me wrong, not complaining about that one bit. I'm not much of a cold-weather person, so this has been a dream for me. Keep those warmer temps coming.

However, there is one downside to these warmer days we've had. No moisture. Snow and rain have been relatively nonexistent this winter; therefore, the ground is REALLY dry. As we look ahead, that doesn't bode well for spring and summer. Why is that?

Get our free mobile app

Wildfire Risk Could Be Heightened

We live in the plains, which means grass and open areas. If the ground doesn't get that moisture, we end up with nothing but dead grass that easily catches fire.

Let's not forget we live in the windiest city in America, and even more so when the weather wants to push through the city. Wind gusts and sustained wind here mixed with warmer temps and dry ground SCREAM wildfires...and we've seen enough of them recently.

Warm Front Moving In To Amarillo

While tomorrow, Saturday, February 14, will be a bit cooler with temps in the upper 50s, we've got some VERY unseasonable temps coming into town. Sunday will jump to 70, then the fun begins. Monday and Tuesday are supposed to find us in the lower 80s, and while that means I'm breaking out the shorts for a few days, it also means the wind is coming with it.

A full pattern shift is headed our way, and when that happens, the wind gets very gusty. It opens the door to some critical fire weather conditions, and considering we have recently seen a fire break out, this isn't ideal for us. You can help by doing things such as not flicking cigarette butts out the window and watering down dead areas near you.