The National Weather Service issued a Severe Fire Weather Watch beginning 12 August 2026 at 15:14 for parts of northern Texas, and on 13 August 2026 the watch was upgraded to a Severe Red Flag Warning in effect until 8 PM CDT on 13 August 2026 for multiple counties including Beaver CountyOchiltree CountyLipscomb CountyRoberts CountyHemphillGray CountyWheeler CountyArmstrong CountyDonley and Collingsworth.
The escalation matters because the upgraded Severe Red Flag Warning indicates that critical fire weather conditions were occurring or would shortly occur, increasing the likelihood of rapid fire spread. Forecasters warned that dry thunderstorms and strong, sporadic winds could produce fire starts, and any new ignition would have elevated potential to spread quickly across the affected terrain.
Timing and affected areas
The initial Severe Fire Weather Watch covered the period from 12 August 2026 at 15:14 through 13 August 2026 at 20:00 before a later warning upgraded conditions on 13 August 2026. The subsequent Severe Red Flag Warning from the forecasting office remained in effect until 8 PM CDT on 13 August 2026. The list of jurisdictions named in advisories included Beaver County, Ochiltree County, Lipscomb County, Roberts County, Hemphill, Gray County, Wheeler County, Armstrong County, Donley and Collingsworth.
Weather threats and public instructions
Forecasts noted the possibility of dry thunderstorms capable of producing lightning without significant rainfall and thunderstorm wind gusts as high as 70 mph with severe storms. Officials urged residents to avoid outdoor burning and open flames and to discard cigarettes properly to reduce ignition risk. In case of emergency, authorities advised members of the public to dial 911 and to monitor later forecasts for potential additional warnings.
Preparedness and official messaging
Forecasters recommended heightened awareness across the named counties and stated that later forecasts could include further products such as Red Flag Warnings. The advisory language emphasized that any fires that develop would have the potential to spread rapidly, and communities within Beaver County, Ochiltree County, Lipscomb County, Roberts County, Hemphill, Gray County, Wheeler County, Armstrong County, Donley and Collingsworth should stay informed through local emergency channels. Last updated: 13 August 2026.
