National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have issued red flag warnings in four states on Friday amid strong winds.

Why It Matters

Red flag warnings are issued when environmental conditions become ideal for the rapid spread of fire. These include strong winds , low relative humidity, dry fuels and warm temperatures.

Last month, red flag warnings were in place across Southern California as wildfires sparked across the region.

When such warnings are in place, people in the affected areas are encouraged against certain activities that could ignite a fire, such as outdoor burning or improper cigarette disposal.

What to Know

Red flag warnings are in place in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma and New Mexico until Friday evening.

NWS meteorologists warned of wind gusts up to 70 mph in some of the impacted areas, such as the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Winds at that strength are equivalent to a tropical storm.

In addition to strong winds, humidities are plummeting into the single digits and are accompanied by "another round of record and near record high temperatures."

Combined, the conditions are creating an ideal environment for wildfires. People in the impacted areas are advised against outdoor burning while the warnings are in place.

Impacted areas include northern Texas, the Oklahoma panhandle, southern Colorado, and west-central and east-central New Mexico.

NWS meteorologist Nicolas Porcelli, who works at the Albuquerque, New Mexico, office, told Newsweek that the fire weather conditions are impacting New Mexico earlier than expected. These conditions are more typical of late March and April.

Record temperatures are accompanying the fire-spreading winds, Porcelli said, and unseasonably dry weather at the start of the season has contributed to dry conditions.

What People Are Saying

The NWS office in Pueblo, Colorado, said in a red flag warning: "Elevated fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically."

The NWS office in Lubbock, Texas, said in a red flag warning: "A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."

Porcelli urged people to practice fire safety, such as avoiding driving on dry grass, and said: "Any little spark can turn into a catastrophic event."

What Happens Next

The warnings expire at either 6 p.m. local time or 7 p.m. local time depending on the region. Porcelli said the fire weather conditions will continue to recede, with temperatures dropping next week. Winds also will shift, and a few storm systems could bring precipitation to the area next week.

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