Red Flag Fire Warning in effect today

The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 11 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT
this evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA…All of northwest Iowa, extreme northeast
Nebraska, and portions of southeast South Dakota along and east
of the James River Valley.

* WIND…Westerly winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph by midday.
The winds will gradually shift to the northwest and increase
further through the afternoon, with gusts of 35 to 45 mph at
times.

* HUMIDITY…Lowest afternoon relative humidity values will be
between 20 to 27 percent.

* IMPACTS…Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now….or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.