FNUS22 KWNS 150555
FWDDY2

Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1255 AM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

Valid 161200Z - 171200Z

...Synopsis...
An upper-level trough will dig into the southern Great Basin/Four
Corners on Thursday. A modest subtropical jet stream will develop
across northern Mexico into the southern Plains. At the surface, a
strong low pressure system will deepen in the vicinity of the Black
Hills. A fairly strong cold front will progress southward into the
central Plains.

...Southern New Mexico into central High Plains...
This region will generally exist in between the developing southern
stream jet and the digging trough to the northwest for most of the
period. Some increase in mid-level winds may occur by late
afternoon, however. A very dry airmass is expected. RH could
approach single digits locally, but will more broadly be 10-20%.
This is forecast despite increasing mid/upper clouds with time. The
overall expectation is for elevated to near critical fire weather
conditions. Sustained critical could occur locally, but confidence
highlighting where this will occur remains low.

...Far eastern Wyoming into Nebraska/South Dakota...
As the surface low deepens, winds of 15-20 mph will be possible. RH
values of 10-20% will occur during the afternoon. The strongest
mid-level flow will generally remain farther west of the region
which should limit the potential for sustained critical conditions.
Further, the cold front is forecast to progress southward which will
lead to a stark shift to northerly winds and greater RH. Given the
strength of the front, the more southern frontal solutions have been
weighted higher in this forecast.

...Southern Appalachians into Mid-Atlantic...
The persistent dry return flow pattern will continue another day.
Temperatures in the mid 80s to low 90s F will again promote a broad
area of reduced RH values during the afternoon. 25-35% will again be
common, but areas near 20% are still possible. Winds will still be
somewhat weak at 10-15 mph, but very dry fuels will still support a
elevated fire weather threat.

..Wendt.. 04/15/2026

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

$$