Strong winds and dry conditions are fueling wildfires and increasing threats across Texas.Climate researchers have said the ingredients are in place for a wildfire threat North Texas hasn't seen in at least 10 years.

Strong winds from a recent storm in the south sent a US Customs and Border Protection surveillance blimp flying nearly 600 miles across Texas.

Wildfires are nothing new to South Texans. With rising temperatures and ongoing dry conditions, Texas faces an increased risk of wildfires.

The North Texas region is under critical or extreme fire threats on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. This is the first time parts of the area have seen an extreme fire threat in about 16 years,

After a brief cooldown, heat and high winds are expected to return to North Texas. Residents should prepare for increased fire danger this coming week.

High winds are stirring up dust, putting parts of North Texas under a blowing dust advisory until 9 p.m. Friday. The weather service said as a result,

As St. Patrick's Day approaches, big changes are in the forecast. Temperatures and winds will be on the incline. On Monday, winds will gust around 35 mph, and on Tuesday winds could get up to 45 mph. Once again, blowing dust, power outages, and rough travel will be expected through Wednesday.

The North Texas region is under critical or extreme fire threats on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

So far, DFW has not seen any major fires, but the extreme threat continues into Friday afternoon. North Texas fire departments have increased staffing and more tools on hand, responding with more than the typical number of engines.