SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — (Updated 4/13/23-12:00 PM) — With continued warm, dry, and windy weather in the area we continue to have concerns for rapidly spreading fires in the region. Red flag warnings have been issued for the last few days with another one in effect today till 8 PM this evening.

Winds will settle down a little through the evening and for tomorrow as a cold front passes the area dropping temperatures and bringing rain chances as well for the region, helping to lower the concerns for these fires.

Anything that is flammable, including something as small as cigarettes, could see fire spread very quickly with the combination of warm temperatures, low humilities, and strong winds with plenty of sunshine. Red Flag Warnings are issued across the area for Tuesday, lasting from Noon to 9pm, and will likely be reissued for Wednesday and Thursday as well.

Until we get some significant rain across the area, this will likely be a problem most of the summer as we see much of the area, particularly near Sioux City and our coverage area in northeast Nebraska, are under exceptional drought. If we don’t see some precipitation soon, this area of drought conditions will likely continue to expand, and the risk of fire danger will likely continue or even get worse. Precipitation is only around half of what we should see over the last 30 days or even less in some areas, so some rain would be nice despite the really pleasant conditions.