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.

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 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.