THE TAKEAWAY:

PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — Fueled by extreme dry conditions, the rapidly spreading Ross Fire has exploded to 50,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forcing widespread local evacuations.

The grass fire began Monday afternoon near Highway 180 and Ross Watson Road, with the Texas A&M Forest Service warning that the blaze has "large growth potential."

The fast-moving fire forced the closure of a section of U.S. Highway 180 before pushing rapidly northward toward the Jack County line.

Residents in southern Jack County, specifically those living near and east of Bartons Chapel, have been ordered to evacuate immediately.

An evacuation center has been opened in Jacksboro at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center on HWY 59.

The fire remains at 5% containment as of Tuesday morning, driven by extreme fire behavior.

Hot temperatures, low humidity, and worsening drought conditions are expected to fuel increased wildfire risks throughout the week.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Approximately 77% of the Lone Star State is experiencing some level of drought conditions, marking a 20 percentage point increase from last week.

Stick with FOX Weather for the latest updates on this developing story.