Choking Dust in the Air Across the U.S. Plains Thanks to High Winds and Drought

High winds are whipping up dust and smoke across the High Plains today. You can distinguish the brown-colored dust in the satellite loop below especially from eastern Colorado into western Kansas. You can also see the grayish wildfire plumes in northwestern Oklahoma, the Texas panhandle, and near the Kansas-Colorado border.

Temperatures have soared to near 100 degrees this afternoon in portions of northwest Texas and western Oklahoma. Adding to the blowtorch effect are winds gusting commonly in the 60-70 mph range (see graphic below). A gust to 100 mph was recorded at Burlington, CO earlier! This combination of hot and dry air with high winds has made for a lethal wildfire threat. In addition, wind-blown dust can drive visibilities down to near zero, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Full on dust storm and small dog advisory in Frederick right now! @MattMakens @weather5280 pic.twitter.com/excm4Se2P5

— Eric Gilles (@esgilles) April 17, 2018

The ground will remain dangerously dry in this region thanks to months of below normal or no precipitation. However, the system responsible for the high winds and heat will move east. The fire danger should diminish somewhat for Wednesday.