Midwest bomb cyclone could elevate fire risk in Kansas

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A possible bomb cyclone storm system is set to spread severe weather across the Midwest. How will it impact northeast Kansas?

According to 27 News Meteorologist Ely Millard, a storm system is expected to come off of the Rocky Mountains and rapidly intensify over the next 24 hours. Millard said most of the severe weather will happen east of our area but will likely elevate fire risk in northeast Kansas.

Millard said northeast Kansas could see wind gusts up to 60 mph and maybe a few thunderstorms. He said dry air in place will be the main threat causing extreme fire conditions.

“Dry 60 mph winds, the grass is dead and dormant, there’s a lot of fuel,” Millard said.

A bomb cyclone occurs during the rapid intensification of a cyclone located between the tropics and the polar regions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It can happen when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, which is something that can occur over ocean waters, the agency says.

The NOAA issued a fire weather watch for Topeka that will go into effect Friday morning and last until the evening. NOAA said humidity will be as low as 18% and that fires will catch and spread quickly. NOAA recommends against burning outside.

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