FNUS63 KABR 211940 AAA

RFDABR



Rangeland Fire Danger Statement...UPDATED

National Weather Service Aberdeen SD

240 PM CDT Sat Mar 21 2026



.DISCUSSION...



Much above normal temperatures late this afternoon will return 

closer to normal for this time of year tonight into Sunday as a cold 

front sweeps through the area. Elevated fire weather conditions 

across central South Dakota this afternoon will improve as relative 

humidity values recover this evening as temperatures cool. An 

incoming cooler air mass will generate a period of gusty winds this 

evening into the overnight hours. An abrupt change in wind 

direction, from northwest to northeast along with gusts up to 40-45 

mph will be possible during this time frame. If we happen to see any 

fires get started this afternoon or tonight, this sharp change in 

winds could be conducive to erratic fire behavior. Fortunately, the 

gusty winds will diminish by sunrise Sunday morning. Cooler 

temperatures and lighter winds during the day will lead to low to 

moderate grassland fire danger across the area.



SDZ009-015>017-033>037-045-048-051-220945-

Walworth-Dewey-Potter-Faulk-Stanley-Sully-Hughes-Hyde-Hand-Jones-

Lyman-Buffalo-

Including the cities of Mobridge, Isabel, Gettysburg, Faulkton, 

Fort Pierre, Onida, Pierre, Highmore, Miller, Murdo, Kennebec, 

and Fort Thompson

240 PM CDT Sat Mar 21 2026 /140 PM MDT Sat Mar 21 2026/



...VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER...



Very poor weather conditions and very low moisture content of

grasses, and other dry organic material on the ground, 

indicate that dangerous burning conditions exist.  Fires will

spread rapidly and show erratic behavior. Outdoor burning is

not recommended.





The outlook for Sunday afternoon...The grassland fire danger index

will reach the moderate category. 





$$



SDZ003>005-010-220945-

Corson-Campbell-McPherson-Edmunds-

Including the cities of McIntosh, Herreid, Eureka, and Ipswich

240 PM CDT Sat Mar 21 2026 /140 PM MDT Sat Mar 21 2026/



...HIGH FIRE DANGER...



Unfavorable weather conditions and low moisture content of grasses,

and other dry organic material on the ground, indicate that there

is 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.





The outlook for Sunday afternoon...The grassland fire danger index

will reach the moderate category. 





$$



MNZ039-046-SDZ006-008-018-021-023-220945-

Traverse-Big Stone-Brown-Roberts-Spink-Grant-Deuel-

Including the cities of Wheaton, Ortonville, Aberdeen, Sisseton, 

Redfield, Milbank, and Clear Lake

240 PM CDT Sat Mar 21 2026



...MODERATE FIRE DANGER...



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.





The outlook for Sunday afternoon...The grassland fire danger index

will reach the moderate category. 





$$



SDZ007-011-019-020-022-220945-

Marshall-Day-Clark-Codington-Hamlin-

Including the cities of Britton, Webster, Clark, Watertown, 

and Hayti

240 PM CDT Sat Mar 21 2026



...LOW FIRE DANGER...



Favorable weather conditions or a high moisture content of grasses,

and other dry organic material on the ground, indicate that the

probability of a fast moving fire is low.  Outdoor burning under

these conditions can usually be performed with reasonable safety

precautions, but should be monitored.





The outlook for Sunday afternoon...The grassland fire danger index

will reach the low category. 





$$