(Spirit Lake)– The National Weather Service is sounding the alarm over a very high fire danger across the region today (Monday). Forecasters say a combination of gusty wind and low humidity will put the grassland fire danger index into the extreme category by later today (Mon.). A red flag warning has been issued for all of northwest Iowa along with southeast South Dakota and northeast Nebraska.
A west-southwest wind will increase to 20 to 30 mph by midday and will gradually shift to the northwest and increase even more by mid afternoon. In addition, humidity levels are expected to drop to as low as 20 to 27 percent.
The National Weather Service says people are urged to use extreme care with any outdoor activities that could cause grass fires. That includes avoiding equipment that could cause sparks near dry grass or brush. Cigarettes also should not be tossed to the ground and officials say no burning should take place today.
The grassland fire danger index is forecast to be in the moderate category for Tuesday.
