Wildfire danger increases: High Plains gusty winds

High winds will develop across the western and northern high Plains over the next several days, increasing the risk of fast-developing and fast-moving wildfires.

High pressure located over the Southeast and South and low pressure over the northern Rockies is producing the perfect set-up for strong southwesterly winds to develop across the length of the high Plains from New Mexico and western Texas northward into the Dakotas.

The combination of wind gusts exceeding 35 mph along with low-humidity air pulled northward from the arid Southwest and northern Mexico increases the dangers of rapid wildfire development and spread.

The WindRadar shows the high wind potential in Albuquerque, Denver, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Kan., Des Moines, Iowa, and Minneapolis.