By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Des Moines, IA – The National Weather Service in Des Moines has released a Special Weather Statement regarding our area.
Southwest winds have began gusting early this afternoon to between 20 and 25 mph. As the afternoon progresses, humidity values will continue falling to between 25 and 30 percent across north central Iowa. These conditions will result in elevated fire danger, especially later this afternoon, that will persist until sunset. Any fires that do occur may become difficult to control.
Radio Iowa’s Matt Kelley reported today that outdoor burning is not recommended, and a dozen counties in northwest Iowa are under a Red Flag Warning until 9:00 p.m. The warning means weather conditions are ideal for small brushfires to quickly get out of hand and spread and residents statewide are urged to heed the advisory. Forecasters say high temperatures today will climb into the 70s and 80s, while the humidity level is low, the winds are high with gusts up to 40 miles an hour, and the vegetation is very dry.