The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect until 8 PM CDT this evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA. In Iowa, Dickinson, Clay and Buena Vista. In Minnesota, Cottonwood and Jackson. * WINDS. West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY. As low as 24 percent. * IMPACTS. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* AFFECTED AREA. In Iowa, Lyon, Osceola, Sioux, O'Brien, Plymouth, Cherokee, Woodbury and Ida. In Minnesota, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone and Rock. In Nebraska, Dixon and Dakota. In South Dakota, Beadle, Kingsbury, Brookings, Gregory, Jerauld, Sanborn, Miner, Lake, Moody, Brule, Aurora, Davison, Hanson, McCook, Minnehaha, Charles Mix, Douglas, Hutchinson, Turner, Lincoln, Bon Homme, Yankton, Clay and Union. * WINDS. Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY. As low as 18 percent. * IMPACTS. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

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-southwest winds will shift to the west-northwest behind a cold front moving across Minnesota this afternoon. West-northwest winds gusting to between 25 and 35 mph with afternoon humidities falling to between 25 and 35 percent will result in elevated fire weather conditions across much of central and southern Minnesota. Check with the Department of Natural Resources and your county for an local burning restrictions and fire danger before burning. For more information on burning restrictions for Minnesota, see www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.