HARLINGEN — Weather forecasters have issued an urgent red flag warning due to critical wildfire conditions beginning at noon today for Hidalgo and Starr counties and the ranchlands.
Northwest winds will arrive behind a departing cold front to bring a pocket of much drier air into the region this afternoon.
Combined with gusty winds, very low relative humidity and tinder-dry fuel in the area, conditions will be primed for the rapid growth and spread of any wildfire that starts. Outside burning is not recommended.
Other counties in the warning area are Zapata, Jim Hogg and Brooks counties.
The warning takes effect at noon and will last until 7 p.m.
Northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph will be interspersed with gusts of up to 25 mph. Relative humidity levels will be between 10 percent and 15 percent.
