(Updated for expanded Red Flag Warning)

The National Weather Service has issued a “Red Flag Warning“ for all counties along and north of Highway 30, from Onawa to Ames.  The warning is in effect until 8-p.m. A Red Flag Warning is issued for extreme fire conditions, in particular: hot, dry air; southwest winds of 15-25 miles per hour, with gusts of 30-to-35; along with very low humidity. Officials say the drying of grasses in the area as well as field crops is underway, and ahead of schedule, given the hot and dry conditions. Any fires that do start, will spread rapidly due to the dry conditions and strong southwesterly winds. The combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and very hot temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.