Weather Story

Red Flag Warning

Wind Advisory

Wind Gust Timing

Wildfire Prevention

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect today across northeastern SD and parts of central SD due to strong southerly winds as well as dry conditions. The winds will be gusting up to 35-45mph over most areas with 45-55mph over northeastern SD this morning, with relative humidity values falling between down to 15-25%. This will lead to Extreme Grassland Fire Danger across central & northeast SD. Take caution as any fires that ignites will spread rapidly and become difficult to control or suppress.

Southerly winds will increase through this morning, gusting up to 45-55 mph over northeastern SD. Even stronger gusts in excess of 50-60 mph will be possible in the favored downslope areas of the Sisseton Hills. These strong winds could cause problems if a fire were to ignite as they could make it difficult to control or suppress the fire.

Winds will increase through the morning hours today and persist into this afternoon, with the strongest winds occurring in the morning and early afternoon hours. Southerly winds will gust 35 to 45 mph over most of central and northeastern SD and west central MN, though gusts could get up to 50-65 mph along the Sisseton Hills downslope areas. The winds will combine with the low relative humidity values and dry fuels to create dangerous to extreme fire weather conditions. The strong winds may also lead to localized areas of Blowing Dust this afternoon and tonight resulting in brief reductions to visibility and breathing difficulties for sensitive individuals.

As strong winds and dry conditions today will increase the fire danger across central and northeastern SD, make sure to use caution if working outside, avoid burning anything, and be careful where you discard cigarette butts. Fires will spread quickly and could become difficult to control or suppress. If you see a grass fire ignite, report it quickly.