The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of the Chicago area Friday, with wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour in the forecast. The warning comes as wind advisories and high wind watches were also been issued across the Chicago area both Friday and Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service, a lack of rain over the last couple of years has led to extreme drought. Dry vegetation creates a tinder box for wildfires. Embers jump quickly with strong winds, and with extreme drought it doesn't take much for a wildfire to spread.

Six states have been placed under expanded red flag warnings amid a severe weather outbreak in the U.S. this weekend that could trigger "catastrophic grassland fire danger" for affected areas.

Dallas is under a Red Flag Warning for high fire danger due to conditions conducive to wildfires, with residents advised to take multiple precautions and stay informed.

Heavy wind can impact travel safety, reduce air quality, cause property damage and exacerbate the risk of wildfire.

In Oklahoma, red flag warnings are issued when conditions such as high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds create a heightened risk of wildfires, urging residents to take extra precautions.