red flag warning
Extreme fire danger
A red flag warning is an alert issued by weather services when conditions are highly favorable for wildfires—typically a combination of low humidity, high winds, and dry vegetation.
The warning signals extreme fire danger and urges heightened caution: A red flag warning is in effect through tomorrow evening.
Not to be confused with the figurative sense of red flag meaning a warning sign of trouble.
Wildfire-favorable atmospheric conditions
- wildfireUncontrolled vegetation blaze
- high windsFast-moving air masses
- low humidityScant moisture in air
- National Weather ServiceFederal forecasting agency
fire danger · gusts · fire spread · Santa Ana winds · brush fire · fire season · evacuation · fire ban
Notice recommending action
- notificationFormal notice given
- bulletinBrief public announcement
- broadcastTransmitted media signal
- public alertOfficial warning to citizens
emergency alert · weather alert · caution · signal · announcement · dispatch · preparedness · watch
Gravest threat level
- hazardous conditionsDangerous state of affairs
- unsafe conditionsCircumstances posing danger
- precariousDangerously insecure
- life-threateningRisking death
fire weather
Wildfire-favorable atmospheric conditions
- wildfireUncontrolled vegetation blaze
- high windsFast-moving air masses
- low humidityScant moisture in air
National Weather Service · fire danger · gusts · fire spread · Santa Ana winds · brush fire · fire season · evacuation · fire ban · fire watch
advisory
Notice recommending action
- notificationFormal notice given
- bulletinBrief public announcement
- broadcastTransmitted media signal
public alert · emergency alert · weather alert · caution · signal · announcement · dispatch · preparedness · watch
extreme risk
Gravest threat level
- hazardous conditionsDangerous state of affairs
- unsafe conditionsCircumstances posing danger
- precariousDangerously insecure
- Wildfireswildfire, grass fire, surface fire, spot fire, fire front
- weather alertsweather alert, weather advisory, severe weather alert, heat advisory, wind advisory
- alert levelsDEFCON, red alert, orange alert, yellow alert, elevated
- California weatherSanta Ana winds, June gloom, marine layer, Mediterranean climate, dry summers
- weatherweather, rain, sun, snow, wind
- fire hazardswildfire, gasoline, forest fire, matches, house fire
red flag warningall clear
Signal danger has passed
low risk · green light · minimal risk · mild weather · calm winds
red flag warningwet conditions
high humidity · calm winds · flood watch · winter storm warning
flag, warning, redden, reddish, reddened, flags, flagged, flagging, warn