SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a Red Flag warning, which is in effect from noon today to 7 PM CDT this evening.
* AFFECTED AREA…Fire weather zones 001, 002, 003, 012, 013, 014, and 020 in northwest Iowa. Fire weather zones 071, 072, 080, 081, 089, 090, 097, and 098 in southwest Minnesota. Fire weather zone 249 in northeast Nebraska. Fire weather zone 255 in south central South Dakota. Fire weather zones 256, 257, and 258 in southeast South Dakota. (See map at right.)
* WIND…Westerly winds sustained 15 to 25 mph this afternoon. Winds may gusts between 25 and 35 mph at times, perhaps locally higher in portions of southwest Minnesota.
* HUMIDITY…Minimum relative humidity values between 21 and 28 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.
(The National Weather Service contributed this report/news release.)



