Iowa Weather: Strong winds and high fire danger today
Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected resulting in high fire danger across the state.
Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected resulting in high fire danger across the state.
Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected resulting in high fire danger across the state.
High winds gusting to nearly 50 mph will produce high fire danger and difficult driving conditions for high profile vehicles today.
Interactive Radar | Weather Alerts
Wind gusts have already topped 40 mph as of mid-morning, and are expected to increase throughout the day. A Wind Advisory has been issued for most of central and northern Iowa through Friday evening. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph can be expected in the advisory area, with a few gusts close to 55 mph possible over northern and northeastern Iowa.
Winds will be out of the west and northwest, making for occasionally difficult driving conditions on north-south highways. I-35 will be particularly vulnerable as a direct crosswind is expected at times. The strongest winds will occur during the early afternoon through about 4 p.m.
Winds in Des Moines are expected to peak between 40 and 50 mph, with regular gusts of 40 to 45 mph. Any outdoor furniture, decorations, or other lightweight objects that are not secured could be blown around with some of the higher gusts. Pockets of blowing dust are also possible where the ground has dried from the earlier snowmelt.
The high winds will also combine with the warm, dry air to produce very high to extreme fire danger. A Red Flag / Fire Weather Warning has been issued for most of the the state. Fires can spark easily with the dry air, and spread quickly out of control due to the high winds. Activities that produce a significant amount of sparks outdoors should be avoided, and any planned burns should be delayed. Smoking material and any other objects that can produce embers should be carefully discarded.