SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Strong winds and dangerous fire weather are expected across the Nebraska Panhandle and surrounding areas Saturday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue multiple warnings for hazardous conditions.

A High Wind Warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. MDT for Scotts Bluff and Banner counties in Nebraska and East Laramie County in Wyoming. Forecasters say west winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph, could make travel dangerous for high-profile vehicles such as campers and tractor trailers.

In addition to the wind, critical fire weather conditions are expected due to dry air and unseasonably warm temperatures. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, as any fire starts may spread rapidly and behave erratically.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect Saturday afternoon and evening across a broad region, including much of western and central Nebraska, and northeast Colorado. Wind gusts in these areas could reach 50 mph, with relative humidity dipping as low as 13 percent.

Affected fire weather zones include areas within the Sandhills, Niobrara Valley, Loup Rivers Basin and Frenchman Basin in Nebraska, along with Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick and Phillips counties in Colorado.

The National Weather Service warns fire danger will remain elevated into next week, with near-critical to critical fire weather conditions possible each day through Friday. Residents are advised to monitor updates and use caution with any outdoor activities that could spark fires.