Red Flag Warnings have been issued again today (Thur) from noon to 7pm for area counties. That includes Buena Vista, Clay, Cherokee, Ida, O’Brien, Sac, Pocahontas, Calhoun, Palo Alto, among others.
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. Winds today (Thur) could gust into the 40’s, or possibly 50 miles per hour, with relative humidity has low as 15 to 20-percent.
The National Weather Service urges residents to use caution to avoid sparking a fire, as grass or crop fires will spread very rapidly. Wind and humidity levels will ease slightly on Friday, but fire danger will remain elevated.
