082 

FNUS21 KWNS 281618

FWDDY1



Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook  

NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK

1018 AM CST Sat Feb 28 2026



Valid 281700Z - 011200Z



...Update...

No changes were required for today's forecast. Please see the

previous discussion below for details.



..Barnes.. 02/28/2026



.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0204 AM CST Sat Feb 28 2026/



...Synopsis...

Broad mid-level troughing over eastern Canada and the US will

gradually shift eastward today as ridging builds over the Southwest.

As the pattern shifts eastward, northwesterly flow aloft will weaken

across much of the central/northern High Plains. As high pressure

strengthens, a surface cold front will surge southward across the

central Great Plains with much cooler temperatures behind it.



...Southeast WY into northern CO and western NE...

Lingering dry downslope flow is expected across parts of the central

High Pains from southern WY into northern CO today. Northwest flow

aloft is forecast to gradually weaken as western US ridging

gradually amplifies and shifts eastward. While upper air support

should slacken through the day, a fairly strong east-west pressure

gradient should still maintain west/northwesterly low-level flow of

20-25 mph across the south Laramie Range, Cheyenne Ridge and

northern CO. With unusually warm temperatures and continued

downslope flow, RH values of 15-25% and a few hours of locally

stronger wind gusts are expected. Recent model guidance has shown an

increase in both wind speed and duration through the first half of

the day. Given very dry fuels, the meteorological conditions should

support a few hours of elevated fire-weather concerns into this

afternoon. Fire-weather conditions should end overnight into early

D2/Sunday as the aforementioned cold front moves in overnight.



...Southwest FL...

Ahead of the eastern portions of the cold front, scattered

thunderstorms are expected across parts of FL. Ongoing drought and

recent fire activity indicate receptive fuels over southwestern

parts of the Peninsula. While some rain is expected, areas that do

not receive significant precipitation may allow for some ignitions

given the potential for lightning.



...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product...



$$