Red Flag Warning in Houston on Wednesday: What is it?

Wednesday afternoon weather forecast

FOX 26 Meteorologist explains the Red Flag Warning and provides an update on the forecast for Wednesday.

HOUSTON - The National Weather Service has placed the Houston area under a rare "Red Flag Warning" due to very dry air and gusty winds expected from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

This is nothing to be alarmed about, but care should be taken, especially in grassy or wooded areas to prevent a spark or even a small fire.

Despite mid-morning thunderstorms, water from the brief rainfall could evaporate quickly, and gusty west winds could spread any small brush fire that may form.

The good news is that the area will finally get a break from windy conditions tomorrow with high pressure moving in.

Your Gulf Coast Weather Authority is monitoring the situation closely. You can stay up-to-date 24 hours a day by downloading the free FOX 26 weather app. You'll receive weather alerts for your location, along with video weather updates.

Governor urges Texans to monitor fire danger

Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday urged the state residents to stay aware of extreme fire conditions.

State officials said primary areas of concern Tuesday for fires were the Panhandle, South Plains, and West Texas, with the risk shifting to much of the southern half of the state on Wednesday.

The governor also advised residents to be prepared for severe weather forecasted for parts of North Central and East Texas on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

"With both extreme fire danger and severe storms expected in Texas today and tomorrow, it is important that Texans monitor local weather reports, heed guidance from local officials, and take proper measures to protect life and property," said Governor Abbott on Tuesday. "The State of Texas has been working closely with local officials to respond to dangerous conditions created by wildfires and is prepared respond to any emergencies that may arise with severe weather."

Wildfires burn in Texas

Wildfires burn across Texas: Firefighting efforts and prevention

Erin O'Connor with the Texas A&M Forest Service talks about current efforts to battle wildfires across the state and ways people can prevent fires.

According to the Texas Wildfire Incident Response System, there are currently about a dozen active wildfire incidents across the state.

The Eastland Complex fire in north-central Texas is more than 54,000 acres in size and is now 90% contained. The Crittenberg Complex is more than 33,000 acres and is 55% contained.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reports more than 900 local and state firefighters are currently mobilized in firefighting efforts. That includes more than 300 TAMFS firefighters and approximately 400 out-of-state firefighters. More than 200 firefighters from 70 different local fire departments are also mobilized across the state through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.

To see the latest map of wildfires in Texas, click here.