A Red Flag Warning is in effect for our area today.

The National Weather Service in Des Moines issued the warning for all of central Iowa, including Mahaska, Marion, Wapello, Monroe, Poweshiek, Jasper, Davis, and Appanoose counties, and it’ll be in effect from 10am this morning until 7pm this evening. The NWS in the Quad Cities also issued a Red Flag Warning for eastern Iowa, including Keokuk, Jefferson, Iowa, and Washington counties, which will be in effect from 10am-8pm.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Today, west winds of 25-35mph with gusts of at least 40-50mph are expected, along with minimum relative humidity values of 12-22%.

Any fires that develop will burn rapidly, and outdoor burning is not recommended.