A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Lancaster County and much of eastern Nebraska Tuesday afternoon and evening due to forecasted gusty winds and low relative humidity.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Jesse Castillo says southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, combined with humidity levels as low as about 20 percent, will create elevated fire danger from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
The advisory includes Lancaster County and surrounding areas. A more severe Red Flag Warning has been issued for parts of northeast Nebraska, including areas near Columbus and Norfolk.
Castillo says cloud cover and a slight chance of rain later Tuesday could limit the fire risk in some areas, with a 25 to 30 percent chance of rain by early evening and only a small chance of thunder.
Residents are advised to avoid activities that could start fires, including outdoor burning, using equipment that produces sparks, or discarding cigarettes improperly.
A Fire Weather Watch means critical fire conditions are possible. Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts in case the advisory is upgraded to a Red Flag Warning.