CHAPPELL, Neb. — The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for much of western and north central Nebraska Sunday, warning a combination of strong winds, low humidity and mild temperatures could lead to rapid fire spread throughout the afternoon and evening.

The warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. MDT (noon to 9 p.m. CDT) and included the Eastern Panhandle, Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the Sandhills and Nebraska National Forest, the Loup Rivers Basin, Frenchman Basin and Loess Plains.

Northwest winds were expected to reach 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, and relative humidity could drop as low as 15 percent. Temperatures could climb near 60 degrees.

Officials warned any fires that start could become uncontrollable quickly under these conditions. Outdoor burning was not advised and residents were asked to avoid any activities that could spark a wildfire. 

Firefighters battled a grass fire near Red Willow Lake Saturday after an unattended campfire spread across dry vegetation, burning 80 to 85 acres.

Sidney saw a peak wind gust on Saturday of 53 mph, 51 mph was registered at Kimball, Scottsbluff peaked at 52 mph, Chadron was at 56 mph, 64 mph wind gust was felt in Cheyenne and Alliance had a 47 mph wind gust.

While lightning was not expected, gusty and erratic winds from scattered afternoon and evening rain or snow showers could add to the fire danger. A few rumbles of thunder were also possible.

Near-critical fire weather conditions could persist into Monday.