A dry cold front, paired with low humidity and scorching temperatures, has resulted in hazardous fire weather conditions, triggering a Red Flag Warning in South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri. The warning will be in place from 10:00 until 20:00 CST on Friday, February 28.
Residents are encouraged to exercise caution, as even a small spark can start a huge fire in such conditions.
“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will develop soon. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can lead to extreme fire behavior,” said the National Weather Service (NWS).
During the warning period, humidity levels might drop to 15% in some locations, and wind gusts could reach 72 km/h (45 mph), producing ideal conditions for rapid fire spread.
“Take extra precautions to avoid sparks, and closely monitor any smoldering fires that burned in recent days,” said the NWS.