The National Weather Service offices covering the northwestern part of the state have issued Fire Weather Watches for Sunday afternoon and evening in advance of elevated to critical fire weather conditions across the area. Southwest winds are expected to quickly increase Sunday morning and be sustained at around 25 MPH with gusts to 40 MPH by afternoon. In combination with temperatures warming to the 60s and 70s once again with low humidity in the 20% range, dangerous fire weather conditions will be created.

The Storm Prediction Center has outlined a critical fire weather area over far west central Iowa with elevated fire weather conditions covering nearly all areas east of the I-35 corridor.

Please do not burn on Sunday as any fires that start will have the potential to start quickly. Stay tuned for further updates.