SIDNEY, Neb. – The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of the Nebraska Panhandle and northeast Colorado due to critical fire weather conditions expected Monday afternoon through evening.

In Nebraska, the warning covers the Eastern Panhandle, Sandhills, Loup Rivers Basin, Frenchman Basin and Loess Plains, including areas such as Crescent Lake and the Nebraska National Forest. The warning is in effect from noon to 8 p.m.

Forecasters expect southwest winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Relative humidity levels may drop as low as 15 percent, and temperatures could reach 78 degrees. The presence of dry lightning is not expected, but erratic winds associated with elevated rain showers may further increase the fire risk. Little to no measurable rainfall is expected from those showers.

In northeast Colorado, a Red Flag Warning is also in effect from noon to 7 p.m. for Weld, Morgan, Elbert, Lincoln, Logan, Washington Sedgwick, and Phillips counties. Winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are expected, along with humidity levels as low as 11 percent.

The National Weather Service warns any fires that ignite under these conditions could spread rapidly and be difficult to control. Outdoor burning and any activity that could produce sparks are strongly discouraged.