HOUSTON, TX – If you’re thinking about lighting up the grill or burning some yard waste today—think again. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., meaning conditions are dangerously perfect for wildfires to start and spread in the blink of an eye.
Why This Matters
Houston is dealing with a dangerous cocktail of strong winds, dry air, and crispy vegetation—basically, a spark away from disaster. Here’s why today is so risky:
- Winds: Blowing in hard from the west at 20-30 mph, with gusts reaching 45 mph—enough to turn a tiny spark into a raging inferno.
- Humidity: Dropping as low as 14%, making everything extra flammable.
- Dry Conditions: Houston hasn’t seen much rain lately, leaving the grass and brush ready to ignite.
What You NEED to Do Right Now
This isn’t just another weather alert—it’s a serious warning. Fires can start instantly and spread faster than you can react. Here’s how to avoid a catastrophe today:
NO Outdoor Burning: Absolutely no bonfires, trash burning, or anything involving open flames.
Ditch the Cigarette Toss: If you smoke, don’t flick that butt outside. Even the smallest ember can spark a wildfire.
Be Mindful with Your Car & Equipment: Hot car engines and exhaust pipes can ignite dry grass. And avoid using power tools that generate sparks.
Skip the Fireworks & BBQ: We know, grilling is a Texas favorite, but today is not the day. One stray ember could spell disaster.
What Could Happen?
If a fire starts today, it can spread 10 times faster than you can run. That means neighborhoods, parks, and even highways could be at risk within minutes. Fire crews are on high alert, but prevention is our best line of defense.
Houston’s Weather Forecast
The extreme fire conditions will ease after sunset, but dry and breezy weather sticks around this week.
Tuesday, March 4: Windy, with morning storms clearing up by the afternoon. High: 79°F, Low: 54°F
Wednesday, March 5: Cooler and sunny. High: 69°F, Low: 44°F
Thursday, March 6: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 67°F, Low: 57°F
Friday, March 7: Warmer, with temperatures climbing. High: 80°F, Low: 63°F
This Red Flag Warning isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a life-saving alert. Fires can start in seconds and become unstoppable before you even realize what’s happening. Let’s all do our part to keep Houston safe today.
