red flag warning

Snowpack was nearly nonexistent in parts of Arizona and across the U.S. this winter, and vegetation remains tinder dry — all ingredients for elevated wildfire risks.

Critical fire weather conditions are expected for areas north of the Mogollon Rim including the Little Colorado River Valley and Navajo Nation, as well as the mountains of Yavapai County and Oak Creek/Sycamore Canyons.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning Thursday and Friday for nearly all of northern Arizona with heavy wind gusts and single-digit humidity in the forecast.

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff says fire danger is especially high Monday due to strong winds and low humidity. A combination of the two can cause fire to quickly expand before first responders have a chance to contain the blaze.

Forest Service officials will temporarily close certain areas of both the Coconino and Kaibab national forests beginning Friday and Saturday due to fire danger. The move comes as several large wildfires burn across northern Arizona.

The National Weather Service is predicting another day of strong winds and dry conditions for parts of the state, especially in east-central Arizona.

High fire danger across northern Arizona the next few days as hot, dry, windy conditions return to an already parched landscape. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning through Friday for the northern half of the state.

Critical Fire Weather is expected Thursday for all of northern Arizona. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Thursday and Fire Weather Watch for Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the entirety of northern Arizona. Wind advisories and critical fire weather are expected to continue through at least Wednesday of next week.

Strong winds will create dangerous fire weather across much of the western U.S. for days to come. A Red Flag warning is in effect for much of northern Arizona through the weekend at least.