Over 25 million remain under red flag warnings with heightened risk of wildfires

Over 25 million Americans remain under red flag warnings on Saturday, as warm, dry and windy conditions continue to heighten the risk of wildfires.

Much of the fire threat stretches across the Central U.S., but parts of the Southeast are also under an elevated risk.

The red flag warnings could even impact major cities including Raleigh, Atlanta and Denver.

A wildfire in southeast Miami-Dade, Florida, was 65% contained as of Saturday afternoon, local officials said.

"Firefighters continue working around the clock to contain the fire. So far today there have been no road closures to and from the Florida Keys, but we continue to advise residents and commuters to stay informed and alert in case conditions change," Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said.

While many areas face an elevated threat for fires Saturday, parts of New Mexico and West Texas face a critical threat. Sustained winds between 15-25 mph (and higher gusts), warm temperatures and low relative humidity will contribute to the heightened threat.

In the Southeast, the greatest risk is across portions of the Carolinas and extending into northern Georgia where the Red Flag Warnings have been issued until 8 p.m. ET this evening. Winds will be gusty, but not very strong in the region. It’s the combination of very dry conditions and gusty winds elevating the fire danger in these areas.

The more critical fire danger will be focused across parts of the Plains later this afternoon into the evening hours where the winds will be stronger, and the air will be even drier. Red Flag Warnings are stretching from the Texas Panhandle up to South Dakota. The Denver metro area is under a Red Flag Warning. In these areas, wind gusts of 40-50 mph are possible in the coming hours.

It remains warm and dry in South Florida; however, light winds Saturday will give way to very calm winds in the evening so firefighters should be able to keep gaining ground.

The overall fire danger improves on Sunday, mostly due to calmer winds, but many areas will remain dry through the weekend. The fire threat will still be elevated Sunday for parts of the southern Plains, from the Texas Panhandle to western Nebraska.

Heavy snow and a wintry mix are expected across parts of the Upper Midwest and northern Great Lakes, where winter weather alerts are in effect for parts of northeastern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Snowfall totals ranging between 3 to 7 inches are possible, along with a light glaze of ice accumulations. However, areas farther north could expect heavier and steadier snow, leading to higher totals.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms associated with the same storm system are likely farther south, where parts of the Mid-Mississippi River Valley could even encounter a few severe storms. mainly rain and thunderstorms.

A good portion of Missouri and eastern Kansas, along with the northeastern corner of Oklahoma and northwestern corner of Arkansas, are under a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) for severe storms this evening and overnight. Damaging winds and the potential for large hail remains the biggest concern, but a tornado or two can’t entirely be ruled out either.

As this storm system heads farther east on Sunday, the threat for severe weather will increase across the Lower Mississippi River Valley and Deep South. Heavy rain from storms could also lead to flash flooding, especially in prone areas.

Over 4 million are under a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe storms Sunday afternoon and evening from Texas up through Tennessee. Again, the threat for damaging winds and hail remains the biggest concern, but a few tornadoes are also possible.