South to southwest winds will gust up to 35 mph this afternoon. These winds, along with cured crops, low humidity levels and temperatures of 85 to 90, will lead to very high to low-end extreme fire danger today. Any fires that develop in cured agricultural fields will spread quickly and become difficult to control. If conditions worsen further, a red flag warning may be needed for this area this afternoon. Avoid brush or grass burning today, use extra caution with farm and outdoor equipment, and do not carelessly discard cigarettes.

WHAT. Strong winds starting southwest then becoming northwest at 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, dry surface vegetation and cropland, and low relative humidity between 25 and 35 percent will lead to elevated fire danger today. WHERE. Much of Central Iowa. WHEN. 1 PM CDT to 8 PM CDT Today. IMPACTS. Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly, especially in dried vegetation and cropland. PREPAREDNESS AND PRECAUTIONARY ACTIONS. Burning is discouraged under these conditions. Also, take care to prevent the start of accidental fires when smoking or operating vehicles around dry vegetation or crops.

The combination of lower relative humidity values, warm temperatures, strong southerly winds, and dry fuels will result in elevated fire weather conditions for this afternoon across portions of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. Afternoon relative humidity values will fall to around 30 to 40 percent with south winds of 15 to 25 mph, gusting to 30 to 40 mph. Under these conditions, fires may start and spread easily. Please exercise caution with any activities that involve outdoor fires or create sparks, including campfires, grilling, and operating large equipment. Cigarettes should be disposed of and extinguished properly. Please heed any local burn bans.