Red Flag Warning for parts of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa through 7pm. .The combination of well above normal temperatures, low relative humidities, and gusty southwest winds will lead to very high to extreme fire danger over southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa through early evening. With the recent lack of rain and drying across the region, the greatest fire danger will be areas of dry cropland, where harvest is ongoing, and where dry tall grasses exist. The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a Red Flag Warning which is in effect until 7 PM CDT this evening. * AFFECTED AREA. In Iowa, Mitchell, Howard, Floyd and Chickasaw. In Minnesota, Dodge, Olmsted, Mower and Fillmore. * TIMING. Until 7 PM CDT this evening. * WINDS. Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY. As low as 20 percent. * TEMPERATURES. Up to 77. * IMPACTS. Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Caution should be exercised during harvest operations to avoid crop fires.

Red Flag Warning Continues for Northwest into Portions of North Central Iowa Today until 7pm. .The combination of well above average temperatures, dry conditions, and gusty south to southwest winds will lead to very high to extreme fire danger over northwest Iowa from late morning through the early evening today. Early afternoon satellite imagery has detected several hot spots from presumed fires across the state. The greatest fire danger will be over the dried cropland where harvest is ongoing. The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect until 7 PM CDT this evening. * WIND. Southwest wind 20 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 35 mph. * HUMIDITY. As low as 15 to 25 percent. * IMPACTS. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

The combination of low relative humidity values, warm temperatures, southwesterly winds, and dry fuels will result in elevated fire weather conditions for this afternoon across southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa and western Wisconsin. Afternoon relative humidity values will fall to around 20 to 30 percent with winds of 15 to 25 mph, gusting up to 35 mph. Under these conditions, fires will 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.

South to southwest winds will gust up to 30 mph late this morning and afternoon. These winds, along with cured crops, very low humidity levels and temperatures of 75 to 80, will lead to a very high fire danger today. Any fires that develop in cured agricultural fields or grasses will spread quickly. Avoid brush or grass burning today, use extra caution with farm and outdoor equipment, and do not carelessly discard cigarettes.