Rangeland Fire Danger Forecast
Issued by NWS Sioux Falls, SD
Issued by NWS Sioux Falls, SD
504 FNUS63 KFSD 060853 RFDFSD Rangeland Fire Danger Statement National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD 353 AM CDT Sun Oct 6 2024 .DISCUSSION... Elevated fire concerns continue today. Northwesterly winds this morning and early afternoon could gust as high as 30 mph, with sustained winds around 15-20 mph. Winds taper off from west to east through the late morning and early afternoon but remain breezy with gusts around 15 to 20 mph into the evening. Minimum RH values today will be in the 25 to 30% range with highs in the 60s to lower 70s. However, most of the area will see a significant offset in the timing the strongest winds and lowest humidity values. Based on the timing, there could be a brief window between 1 PM CDT to 5 PM CDT where areas along and near the Buffalo Ridge could see locally near critical conditions. In this area, gusts near 25 mph may coincide with RH values near 25-30% - again, expect the strongest winds to occur earlier in the day with the lower RHs later. Thus, did not issue any fire headlines this morning. Expect winds to drop off quickly after sunset while RHs improve. With dry weather and continued above average temperatures, elevated fire concerns are expected through this week. Winds are currently expected to remain light, which could temper concerns slightly. People are urged to exercise extreme care with respect to outdoor activities that could cause grass fires. Avoid equipment that can cause sparks near dry grass or brush. Do not toss cigarettes on the ground. Report new fires quickly to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office. IAZ002-003-012>014-020>022-031-MNZ072-080-081-090-NEZ013-014- SDZ059-064-066-067-069>071-061200- Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O`Brien-Clay-Plymouth-Cherokee- Buena Vista-Woodbury-Lyon-Murray-Cottonwood-Jackson-Dixon-Dakota- Davison-Douglas-Turner-Lincoln-Yankton-Union- ...HIGH FIRE DANGER... The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the high category this afternoon. Unfavorable weather conditions and low moisture content of grasses, and other dry organic material on the ground, indicate that there is a high potential for a fire to spread.. Outdoor burning should be restricted to early morning or evening hours, when wind speeds are usually lower and the relative humidity is higher. OUTLOOK FOR MONDAY AFTERNOON...The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the moderate category. The grassland fire danger product reflects fire danger for native grasses. It is not intended for cured agricultural crops, nor will it reflect conditions in road ditches which have been mowed. $$ IAZ001-032-MNZ071-089-097-098-SDZ038>040-050-052>058-060>063-065- 068-061200- Lyon-Ida-Lincoln-Nobles-Pipestone-Rock-Beadle-Kingsbury-Brookings- Gregory-Jerauld-Sanborn-Miner-Lake-Moody-Brule-Aurora-Hanson- McCook-Minnehaha-Charles Mix-Hutchinson-Bon Homme- ...MODERATE FIRE DANGER... The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the moderate category this afternoon. Marginal weather conditions or lowering moisture content of grasses, and other dry organic material on the ground, indicate that there is some potential for a fire to spread. Any outdoor burning should be closely monitored. OUTLOOK FOR MONDAY AFTERNOON...The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the moderate category. The grassland fire danger product reflects fire danger for native grasses. It is not intended for cured agricultural crops, nor will it reflect conditions in road ditches which have been mowed. $$