(Photo via sxc.hu)
GARDEN CITY, Kan. (AP) — Record-breaking heat is settling in over parts of western Kansas, and there's concern that gusting winds could create a fire hazard. The Garden City Telegram reports high temperatures in that city broke long-standing records Monday and Tuesday. The mercury hit 108 both days, and Wednesday's high was expected to reach 101. The heat is being joined by winds gusting to as high as 36 miles per hour. It's a combination that put much of southwest Kansas under a red flag warning, meaning that conditions are favorable for fires. Garden City and other spots around the western half of Kansas are expected to be at or near 100 through Friday, with cooler — but still hot — temperatures arriving this weekend along with a chance for isolated storms.