Red flag warnings are issued when there is a dangerous combination of weather conditions coming together over a certain area that could lead to rapid growth and spread of a fire. Think of how a tornado watch works, conditions are favorable, and the area is being monitored for development.

Many wildfires in eastern Oklahoma have already sparked this March, and this week, the state will begin moving toward ‘extreme’ wildfire level risk.

As Houstonians woke up to heavy rain early Tuesday, weather officials warned of an increased risk for wildfire growth later in the day. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the Houston area from 10 a.

Texas will experience wind gusts of up to 55 mph in parts on Wednesday, while relative humidity will plummet to as low as six percent.

In Oklahoma, red flag warnings are issued when conditions such as high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds create a heightened risk of wildfires, urging residents to take extra precautions.