Weather Alerts-

Make preparations per the instructions

Des Moines - IA, US, National Weather Service

Polk County

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR CENTRAL IOWA... The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 1 PM this afternoon to 10 PM CDT this evening. AFFECTED AREA...Boone, Polk, Warren, Clarke and Decatur Counties. WIND...From the southwest at 10 to 20 mph with gusts of 20 to 25 mph. HUMIDITY...As low as around 15%. IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread, perhaps rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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.

...Critical Fire Weather Conditions Today... .While winds will not be overly strong, near record to record temperatures, fully cured grassland and cropland, and exceptionally dry air for Iowa will prevail Saturday afternoon into the early evening hours. Fires will have a higher likelihood of igniting in these dry conditions, and will easily spread, perhaps rapidly at times. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.