Alert archive / Arizona / Red Flag Warnings in 2026
Red Flag Warning 2, NWS Flagstaff, AZ
NWS Flagstaff, AZ issued this red flag warning at May 12, 2026, 10:55 AM MST for Apache County, Coconino County, Navajo County, Arizona. It took effect at May 13, 2026, 11:00 AM MST. It was in force for 9 hr. 1 report came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- May 12, 2026, 10:55 AM MST (17:55 UTC)
- In effect from
- May 13, 2026, 11:00 AM MST
- Expired
- May 13, 2026, 8:00 PM MST
- In force
- 9 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Flagstaff, AZ
Counties Apache County, AZ, Coconino County, AZ, Navajo County, AZ
The radar
The Flagstaff radar (KFSX), 124 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 17:58 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 5:06 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 1 S Window Rock, AZ | Possible dry microburst. ASOS station KRQE Window Rock Airport. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The text
As transmitted.
227 WWUS85 KFGZ 121755 RFWFGZ URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 1055 AM MST Tue May 12 2026 AZZ109-112-113-115-116-139-140-140300- /O.UPG.KFGZ.FW.A.0002.260513T1800Z-260514T0300Z/ /O.NEW.KFGZ.FW.W.0002.260513T1800Z-260514T0300Z/ Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward-Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County-Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County-Western Mogollon Rim-Eastern Mogollon Rim-Black Mesa Area-Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264- 1055 AM MST Tue May 12 2026 /1155 AM MDT Tue May 12 2026/ ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MST /NOON MDT/ TO 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ WEDNESDAY... The National Weather Service in Flagstaff AZ has issued a Red Flag Warning due to strong winds and low relative humidity in effect from 11 AM MST /noon MDT/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ Wednesday. * WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, Relative Humidity between 7 to 15 percent. * WHERE...Mogollon Rim, Kaibito Plateau, Painted Desert, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, and Black Mesa Area. This includes portions of the Coconino and Kaibab national forests. * WHEN...From 11 AM MST /noon MDT/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Rapid spread and growth of any new or existing fires. Elevated potential for new fire starts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Obey all fire restrictions. To view a map of current fire restrictions, go to wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning. && $$ AZZ104-106-107-140300- /O.NEW.KFGZ.FW.W.0002.260513T1800Z-260514T0300Z/ Kaibab Plateau-Grand Canyon Country-Coconino Plateau- 1055 AM MST Tue May 12 2026 /1155 AM MDT Tue May 12 2026/ ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MST /NOON MDT/ TO 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ WEDNESDAY... The National Weather Service in Flagstaff AZ has issued a Red Flag Warning due to strong winds and low relative humidity. * WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, Relative Humidity between 7 to 15 percent. * WHERE...Coconino Plateau, Grand Canyon Country, and Kaibab Plateau. This includes portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves and Kaibab national forests. * WHEN...From 11 AM MST /noon MDT/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Rapid spread and growth of any new or existing fires. Fires will have the potential to exhibit extreme fire behavior. Elevated potential for new fire starts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Do your part: No open flames or sparks, keep vehicles off of dry grass, properly dispose of cigarette butts, and avoid power equipment that creates sparks. One less spark, one less wildfire. Obey all fire restrictions. To view a map of current fire restrictions, go to wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. A red flag warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life-threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning. && $$ Bernhart
5 follow-up statements
382 WWUS85 KFGZ 122045 RFWFGZ URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 145 PM MST Tue May 12 2026 AZZ104-106-107-140300- /O.CON.KFGZ.FW.W.0002.260513T1800Z-260514T0300Z/ Kaibab Plateau-Grand Canyon Country-Coconino Plateau- 145 PM MST Tue May 12 2026 /245 PM MDT Tue May 12 2026/ ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MST /NOON MDT/ TO 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, Relative Humidity between 7 to 16 percent. * WHERE...Coconino Plateau, Grand Canyon Country, and Kaibab Plateau. This includes portions of the Kaibab National Forest. * WHEN...From 11 AM MST /noon MDT/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Rapid spread and growth of any new or existing fires. Fires will have the potential to exhibit extreme fire behavior. Elevated potential for new fire starts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Do your part: No open flames or sparks, keep vehicles off of dry grass, properly dispose of cigarette butts, and avoid power equipment that creates sparks. One less spark, one less wildfire. Obey all fire restrictions. To view a map of current fire restrictions, go to wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. A red flag warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life-threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning. && $$ AZZ109-112-113-115-116-139-140-140300- /O.CON.KFGZ.FW.W.0002.260513T1800Z-260514T0300Z/ Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward-Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County-Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County-Western Mogollon Rim-Eastern Mogollon Rim-Black Mesa Area-Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264- 145 PM MST Tue May 12 2026 /245 PM MDT Tue May 12 2026/ ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MST /NOON MDT/ TO 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, Relative Humidity between 8 to 17 percent. * WHERE...Mogollon Rim, Kaibito Plateau, Painted Desert, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, and Black Mesa Area. This includes portions of the Coconino and Kaibab national forests. * WHEN...From 11 AM MST /noon MDT/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Rapid spread and growth of any new or existing fires. Elevated potential for new fire starts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Obey all fire restrictions. To view a map of current fire restrictions, go to wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning. && $$ Bernhart
006 WWUS85 KFGZ 122047 RFWFGZ URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 147 PM MST Tue May 12 2026 AZZ104-106-107-140300- /O.CON.KFGZ.FW.W.0002.260513T1800Z-260514T0300Z/ Kaibab Plateau-Grand Canyon Country-Coconino Plateau- 147 PM MST Tue May 12 2026 /247 PM MDT Tue May 12 2026/ ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MST /NOON MDT/ TO 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, Relative Humidity between 7 to 16 percent. * WHERE...Coconino Plateau, Grand Canyon Country, and Kaibab Plateau. This includes portions Kaibab National Forest. * WHEN...From 11 AM MST /noon MDT/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Rapid spread and growth of any new or existing fires. Fires will have the potential to exhibit extreme fire behavior. Elevated potential for new fire starts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Do your part: No open flames or sparks, keep vehicles off of dry grass, properly dispose of cigarette butts, and avoid power equipment that creates sparks. One less spark, one less wildfire. Obey all fire restrictions. To view a map of current fire restrictions, go to wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. A red flag warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life-threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning. && $$ AZZ109-112-113-115-116-139-140-140300- /O.CON.KFGZ.FW.W.0002.260513T1800Z-260514T0300Z/ Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward-Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County-Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County-Western Mogollon Rim-Eastern Mogollon Rim-Black Mesa Area-Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264- 147 PM MST Tue May 12 2026 /247 PM MDT Tue May 12 2026/ ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MST /NOON MDT/ TO 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, Relative Humidity between 8 to 17 percent. * WHERE...Mogollon Rim, Kaibito Plateau, Painted Desert, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, and Black Mesa Area. This includes portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino and Kaibab National Forests. * WHEN...From 11 AM MST /noon MDT/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Rapid spread and growth of any new or existing fires. Elevated potential for new fire starts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Obey all fire restrictions. To view a map of current fire restrictions, go to wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning. && $$ Bernhart
359 WWUS85 KFGZ 131825 RFWFGZ URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 1125 AM MST Wed May 13 2026 AZZ104-106-107-109-112-113-115-116-139-140-140300- /O.CON.KFGZ.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260514T0300Z/ Kaibab Plateau-Grand Canyon Country-Coconino Plateau-Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward-Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County-Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County- Western Mogollon Rim-Eastern Mogollon Rim-Black Mesa Area- Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264- 1125 AM MST Wed May 13 2026 /1225 PM MDT Wed May 13 2026/ ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph and relative humidity between 7 to 15 percent. * WHERE...Mogollon Rim, Kaibito Plateau, Painted Desert, Kaibab Plateau, Grand Canyon Country, Coconino Plateau, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, and Black Mesa Area. This includes portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, and Kaibab national forests. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ this evening. * IMPACTS...Rapid spread and growth of any new or existing fires. Fires will have the potential to exhibit extreme fire behavior. Elevated potential for new fire starts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Do your part: No open flames or sparks, keep vehicles off of dry grass, properly dispose of cigarette butts, and avoid power equipment that creates sparks. One less spark, one less wildfire. Obey all fire restrictions. To view a map of current fire restrictions, go to wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. A red flag warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life-threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning. && $$ Lewandowski
706 WWUS85 KFGZ 131831 RFWFGZ URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 1131 AM MST Wed May 13 2026 AZZ104-106-107-109-112-113-115-116-139-140-140300- /O.CON.KFGZ.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260514T0300Z/ Kaibab Plateau-Grand Canyon Country-Coconino Plateau-Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward-Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County-Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County- Western Mogollon Rim-Eastern Mogollon Rim-Black Mesa Area- Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264- 1131 AM MST Wed May 13 2026 /1231 PM MDT Wed May 13 2026/ ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph and relative humidity between 7 to 15 percent. * WHERE...Mogollon Rim, Kaibito Plateau, Painted Desert, Kaibab Plateau, Grand Canyon Country, Coconino Plateau, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, and Black Mesa Area. This includes portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, and Kaibab national forests. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ this evening. * IMPACTS...Rapid spread and growth of any new or existing fires. Fires will have the potential to exhibit extreme fire behavior. Elevated potential for new fire starts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Do your part: No open flames or sparks, keep vehicles off of dry grass, properly dispose of cigarette butts, and avoid power equipment that creates sparks. One less spark, one less wildfire. Obey all fire restrictions. To view a map of current fire restrictions, go to wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. A red flag warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life-threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of this Red Flag Warning. && $$ Lewandowski
323 WWUS85 KFGZ 140254 RFWFGZ URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 754 PM MST Wed May 13 2026 AZZ104-106-107-109-112-113-115-116-139-140-140400- /O.EXP.KFGZ.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260514T0300Z/ Kaibab Plateau-Grand Canyon Country-Coconino Plateau-Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward-Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County-Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County- Western Mogollon Rim-Eastern Mogollon Rim-Black Mesa Area- Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264- 754 PM MST Wed May 13 2026 /854 PM MDT Wed May 13 2026/ ...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ THIS EVENING... The strong winds have decreased and the Red Flag Warning will be allowed to expire. $$ JJ
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this red flag warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Flagstaff, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at May 12, 10:09 AM MST, 46 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, May 12, 10:09 AM MST, 46 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 1009 AM MST Tue May 12 2026 .SYNOPSIS...Warm temperatures and mostly dry weather will continue through the week. Isolated showers are possible across the higher terrain through Wednesday, along with slightly cooler temperatures and strong southwest winds. && .DISCUSSION...The high starts to shift to the east today with a shortwave moving through the mid-level flow. This wave will track along the western periphery of the ridge before starting to push eastward on Wednesday, eventually crossing the region. Winds turn more southerly, allowing for better moisture advection. Some isolated showers or sprinkle will be possible through the afternoon, mainly across the higher terrain, though QPF amounts are expected to remain light. By Wednesday, the high has shifted further to the east and the flow starts to turn more southwesterly. Temperatures will dip slightly but are still expected to remain above normal. We will still see moisture move into the region but latest hi-res guidance has backed off slightly on the coverage of possible shower activity. However, we will have enough lift and with the wave finally crossing through the region, additional showers and some isolated thunderstorms should be able to develop through the afternoon and into the evening. Best chances for any activity still looks like it will be along and north of a Grand Canyon-Flagstaff-Show Low line. With the wave finally moving through we will also see the gradient tightening up. This will result in stronger southwest winds around 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Some localized gusts to 45 mph are also possible but widespread higher gusts look marginal so will hold off on issuing a Wind Advisory at this time. Even with the increase in moisture through the mid-levels, the surface will remain relatively dry. Combine the dry conditions, low RH, curing fuels and gusty winds, and we have a decent set up for critical fire weather concerns. A Fire Weather Watch is now in effect for portions of the region for Wednesday. Near-critical fire weather conditions remain possible outside of the watch area. Thursday and beyond...Behind the wave the flow looks to become more zonal and begins to weaken heading into Friday. A weak trough looks to move into Arizona on Friday but flow looks to remain mostly zonal across northern Arizona and moisture is limited though we could see a few additional clouds during the day. A stronger wave/trough arrives over the weekend which will increase winds on Saturday and Sunday to southwest to west 10-20 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Depending on the strength and track of the weekend wave, we could see a few showers develop but confidence is pretty low this far out. Temperatures will remain cooler than those at the start of the week but will remain above normal through the weekend. && .AVIATION...Tuesday 12/18Z through Wednesday 13/18Z...VFR conditions, a few isolated sprinkles or virga showers possible along the Rim and White Mountains this afternoon. Winds S-SW 10-15kts, gusts to 20kts this afternoon. Gusty winds possible near virga or light showers. Light and variable or terrain driven overnight. OUTLOOK...Wednesday 13/18Z through Friday 15/18Z...VFR conditions, a few isolated afternoon showers or thunderstorms possible along the Arizona/New Mexico border Wednesday, dry during the rest of the time period. Winds SW 15-25kts, gusts 30-35kts Wednesday, SW-W 10-15kts, gusts 20-25kts Thursday. && .FIRE WEATHER...Today and Wednesday...Warm temperatures continue with mostly dry conditions expected. A slight chance of sprinkles or showers over the higher terrain on Tuesday, with chances for showers or dry thunderstorms on Wednesday. Wetting rains are not expected. South to southwest winds 10-15 mph with gusts 20-25 mph today, then increasing to southwest to west 15-25 mph with gusts 30-40 mph on Wednesday. Minimum afternoon RH between 5-20% each day. Critical fire weather conditions are possible and a Fire Weather Watch is now in effect for Wednesday. Thursday through Saturday...Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue. Southwest to west winds 10-20 mph with gusts 20-30 mph on Thursday, diminishing to 5-15 mph on Friday. Winds increase 10-20 mph with gusts to 30 mph on Saturday. Minimum afternoon RH 5-15% each day. && .FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Fire Weather Watch from Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening for AZZ109-112-113-115-116-139-140. && PUBLIC...Meola AVIATION...Bernhart FIRE WEATHER...Meola For Northern Arizona weather information visit weather.gov/flagstaff
The office that day
Everything else NWS Flagstaff, AZ issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 12:11 AM MST | Fire Weather Watch | FGZ | Apache, Coconino, Navajo | 11 hr |
Nearby
Red Flag Warnings in Arizona, 2026Every red flag warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.