By Sam Parsons

A red flag warning is in effect for our area today.

The National Weather Service in Des Moines issued a red flag warning for all of central Iowa, which is in effect from 9am this morning until 6pm this evening. 

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.

Today, winds out of the southwest are expected to remain around 15-25 mph for most of the day, gusting to around 30-35 mph. Humidity is expected to hover around 15-25%.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. A few counties in central to western Iowa already have burn bans in effect.