FNUS63 KFSD 210816

RFDFSD



Rangeland Fire Danger Statement

National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD

316 AM CDT Sat Mar 21 2026



.DISCUSSION...



Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Missouri River Valley and into 

northwestern IA this afternoon and through the evening hours. 

Temperatures warm into the 80s to near 90, and with very low dew 

points, humidity values fall to around 12%. Critical conditions may 

only be met or close to being met for a couple of hours this 

afternoon into this evening; however, very low humidity and dry 

fuels may be enough to overcome the less than critical southwesterly 

winds. Elevated to near critical conditions will stretch further 

north to the I-90 corridor, but more recent snow melt and slightly 

higher RH (near 20%) may limit concerns. That said, expansion of the 

Red Flag Warning could be warranted if winds exceed current 

expectations. 



Winds will briefly lull ahead of a cold front sweeping south 

tonight, before turning northwesterly and increasing after 10 PM. 

Wind gusts tonight into the overnight hours look to be around 40 

mph, strongest winds for a couple of hours. Gusts may approach or 

exceed 45 mph. 



Cooler temperatures and increased humidity are expected into early 

next week, but dry and breezy conditions may lead to elevated fire 

danger. Warmer temperatures return by mid week with little to no 

precipitation.



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.





IAZ001-012-020-021-031-032-NEZ013-014-SDZ050-058-059-062>071-

211130-

Lyon-Sioux-Plymouth-Cherokee-Woodbury-Ida-Dixon-Dakota-Gregory-

Aurora-Davison-Minnehaha-Charles Mix-Douglas-Hutchinson-Turner-

Lincoln-Bon Homme-Yankton-Clay-Union-



...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 SUNDAY 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.





$$



IAZ002-003-013-014-022-MNZ089-097-098-SDZ038-052>057-060-061-

211130-

Osceola-Dickinson-O'Brien-Clay-Buena Vista-Nobles-Pipestone-Rock-

Beadle-Jerauld-Sanborn-Miner-Lake-Moody-Brule-Hanson-McCook-



...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 SUNDAY 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.





$$



MNZ071-072-080-081-090-SDZ039-040-211130-

Lincoln-Lyon-Murray-Cottonwood-Jackson-Kingsbury-Brookings-



...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 SUNDAY 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.





$$