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Severe weather and wildfire risks in the United States

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-22 21:23 UTC → 2026-08-23 02:05 UTC · added removed

Severe weather and wildfire risks have been reported across various regions of the United States. In early August, Red Flag Warnings were issued for West Texas and southeast Wyoming due to strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. Officials warned that conditions could allow a “tiny spark” to ignite fast-moving wildfires, while smoke was expected to degrade air quality in Wyoming. By late August, weather threats expanded to include the Midwest and the Western United States. Severe thunderstorm watches were issued for parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with concerns regarding damaging winds, large hail, and potential tornadoes. Simultaneously, Red Flag Warnings were issued for Idaho and southeast Oregon, where gusty winds and lightning from scattered thunderstorms posed risks for rapid fire spread. On August 21, severe weather threats persisted and intensified in several areas. intensified. In Kentucky and northern middle Tennessee, the Storm Prediction Center identified a potential for severe thunderstorms capable of producing hail between 1.00 and 1.75 inches and wind gusts of 55-70 mph. In Colorado, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Adams, Western Arapahoe, and Central Arapahoe Counties, with storms capable of producing 80 mph wind gusts and golf ball-sized hail. Wildfire risks remained critical in the West. Red Flag Warnings continued for portions of southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho. By late August 21, Red Flag Warnings expanded to include portions of California and Nevada. In eastern Oregon, wind gusts may reach 30-35 mph, while Mississippi, thunderstorms caused significant infrastructure damage, including over 40 downed poles and 89,000 feet of downed wire, resulting in Idaho could produce outflow wind gusts up to 50 mph power outages for thousands of customers. Additionally, the Storm Prediction Center monitored severe potential for large hail and abundant lightning, creating critical fire weather conditions. damaging winds across the Great Plains and Midwest, specifically in South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, and Iowa.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-23 02:05 UTC Severe weather and wildfire risks in the United States
  2. 2026-08-22 21:23 UTC Severe weather and wildfire risks in the United States
  3. 2026-08-22 00:41 UTC Severe weather and wildfire risks in the United States

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