Extreme heat is expected across the eastern half of the country this week. Several heat advisories and warnings are now in effect.
Some of the country’s largest corn and soybean states, including Iowa and Illinois, are expecting the highest temperatures this week, with heat indexes topping 100°.
The National Weather Service warns that the prolonged heat could significantly impact crops, especially since this is the season’s first heatwave.
Lows in the 70s will offer little relief overnight.
It will be important to stay safe and keep heat-related illnesses in mind this week.
Several signs of heat exhaustion include cramps, rashes, excessive sweating, feeling weak, and headaches. Heat exhaustion is a signal that the body is losing its ability to maintain a stable core temperature, but heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs of heat stroke include a lack of sweating, cognitive ability failures, and seizures.
According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.
February 24, 2026 05:46 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
February 24, 2026 12:28 PM
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Ranger Road Fire has burned 283,000 acres across Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and is nearing containment, as ranchers begin assessing cattle and infrastructure losses as they look toward recovery.
February 23, 2026 11:08 AM
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New details on the massive wildfire threatening farms and ranches in the Southern Plains.
February 20, 2026 11:24 AM
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The Ranger Road Fire spreads from the Oklahoma Panhandle into Kansas as high winds and red flag conditions persist
February 19, 2026 01:01 PM
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Red Flag Warning in effect as high winds fuel fast-moving blaze across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas
February 18, 2026 11:23 AM
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