This year’s peak La Niña is increasing fire risks!

It is the time of year when some of the strongest winds are coming through the Midwest.

Weather has a large impact on prescribed burning and fire behavior. With pasture burning in full swing, the combination of warmer temperatures and low humidity can create extreme fire weather.

A meteorologist warns this year’s peak La Niña is increasing fire risks!

According to Chip Redmond, “Combined with those warmer temperatures and the low humidities is a recipe for extreme fire weather. And it had a lot of people out burning recently, and a bit of a reminder, if you do not have that fire out, you potentially could have a good cause— a significant fire that could go many, many miles and be impossible to control. We’ve got the peak La Niña and that’s typically in years with La Niña, we see the most acres burned in the state of Kansas any given spring. And so with this La Niña, we’re seeing the weather that correlates well with dry conditions, fire weather threats, and the potential drought expansion as well, because we’re going out multiple weeks in a row with very little precipitation.”

He adds that with these factors in play, landowners must remain cautious to avoid large-scale wildfires.

Related Stories
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.
Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.
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.
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
Cotton jassid, a invasive pest, is raising concerns for Southeast cotton growers as experts work to understand its impact this season.