Fire Weather Watch Issued as Dangerous Conditions Persist, Jumping Juniper Fire Remains Active

News | March 25, 2026, 11:47 AM by Paragon Staff

Western Oklahoma – A Red Flag Warning will go into effect Thursday morning through Thursday evening across much of western Oklahoma, including Roger Mills, Dewey, Custer, Beckham, Washita, Caddo, Greer, Kiowa, Jackson, and Harmon counties, as dangerous fire conditions are expected to develop.

The National Weather Service in Norman warns that a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, and hot temperatures will create an environment where any fires that start could spread rapidly. South winds are forecast at 15 to 25 miles per hour with gusts up to 40 miles per hour, while relative humidity will drop between 10 and 20 percent. Temperatures could climb as high as 99 degrees. Officials say fuels are extremely dry, ranking in the 90th percentile or higher, and outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

These elevated fire conditions come as the region enters a stretch of warm, windy weather. Tonight will remain clear with a low around 61 degrees, with south winds continuing at 16 to 18 miles per hour and gusts up to 28 miles per hour. Thursday will be sunny and hot, with a high near 94 degrees and increasing south-southwest winds between 20 and 28 miles per hour, gusting up to 41 miles per hour. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low around 46 degrees, as winds shift from the south to the northeast overnight, continuing at 18 to 26 miles per hour with gusts up to 40 miles per hour. By Friday, conditions turn cooler but remain windy, with a high near 61 degrees and strong north-northeast winds between 29 and 36 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 55 miles per hour.

Meanwhile, the Jumping Juniper Fire continues to be monitored as part of ongoing wildfire activity across Oklahoma. According to the latest report from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, crews remain engaged in containment efforts as dry fuels and shifting winds continue to present challenges. Firefighters are working to manage the fire under difficult conditions, with weather playing a key role in fire behavior.

Officials urge residents across western Oklahoma to remain alert, avoid any activities that could spark a fire, and stay updated on changing conditions as the threat of wildfire remains elevated.