Wind Advisory and Red Flag Warning Issued for West Central Texas

SAN ANGELO – West Central Texas residents are urged to exercise caution as meteorological conditions heighten the risk of wildfires and pose potential hazards due to strong winds, low humidity, and above-normal temperatures. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for this afternoon across most of the Big Country and northwestern Concho Valley, signaling critical fire weather conditions. Additionally, the rest of West Central Texas falls under a Fire Danger Statement.

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the same areas covered by the Red Flag Warning, with wind speeds anticipated to range between 25 to 35 mph and gusts potentially reaching up to 45 mph. Certain regions may experience gusts of around 40 mph due to unidirectional flow in the atmospheric column and strong winds at mid-levels that could mix down. The western Big Country and Concho Valley are expected to bear the brunt of these high winds.

The combination of strong downsloping west winds and a thermal ridge will maintain temperatures well above normal, although a slight weakening in the ridge and increased cloud cover may lead to slightly cooler temperatures compared to previous days. However, temperatures in Abilene are forecasted to remain within 3 degrees of the daily record.

Both the Wind Advisory and Red Flag Warning will remain in effect from this afternoon into early this evening for much of the Big Country and northwest Concho Valley.

Looking ahead, a cold front is expected to approach the area late tonight, moving through by early to mid-morning. This will result in a drop in temperatures and strong northerly winds following the front, with gusts potentially exceeding 40 mph for several hours. While there is a small chance of light rain overnight associated with the frontal passage, better chances for precipitation are anticipated later in the day.