FNUS63 KFSD 201331

RFDFSD



Rangeland Fire Danger Statement

National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD

831 AM CDT Fri Mar 20 2026



.DISCUSSION...



Near record to record breaking temperatures continue today and

Saturday with highs in the 70s and 80s (possibly near 90 in south

central SD Saturday). Winds may gust around 20 to 25 mph at times

during the afternoon and evening hours. Recent precipitation may

temper significant concerns; however, High to Very High fire

danger is expected both days through the MO River Valley and

toward I-90. Minimum RH values today fall to around 25% through

the MO Valley, and as low as 15% in this area on Saturday. RH

values increase further north.



Cold front will cool temperatures back into the 40s and 50s Sunday

into early next week. That said, breezy winds may lead to

continued elevated fire concerns for portions of the area. Little

to no precipitation is expected into mid next week, leading to

periodic elevated fire concerns with occasional breezy winds.



Debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires...so please 

be careful with any use of fire.



SDZ050-201645-

Gregory-



...VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER...



The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the very high 

category this afternoon. 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.



OUTLOOK FOR SATURDAY AFTERNOON...The Grassland Fire Danger Index

will reach the very high 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.





$$



NEZ013-014-SDZ052-057>060-063>071-201645-

Dixon-Dakota-Jerauld-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Hanson-Charles Mix-

Douglas-Hutchinson-Turner-Lincoln-Bon Homme-Yankton-Clay-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 SATURDAY AFTERNOON...The Grassland Fire Danger Index

will reach the very high 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.





$$



IAZ001-012-013-020-021-031-032-SDZ038-053-054-061-062-201645-

Lyon-Sioux-O'Brien-Plymouth-Cherokee-Woodbury-Ida-Beadle-Sanborn-

Miner-McCook-Minnehaha-



...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 SATURDAY AFTERNOON...The Grassland Fire Danger Index

will reach the high 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.





$$



IAZ002-003-014-022-MNZ071-072-080-081-089-090-097-098-SDZ039-040-

055-056-201645-

Osceola-Dickinson-Clay-Buena Vista-Lincoln-Lyon-Murray-Cottonwood-

Nobles-Jackson-Pipestone-Rock-Kingsbury-Brookings-Lake-Moody-



...LOW FIRE DANGER...



The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the low category 

this afternoon. 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 

with reasonable safety precautions, but should be monitored.



OUTLOOK FOR SATURDAY 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.





$$