Quad Cities, IA-IL – A Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of eastern Iowa, northwest and west-central Illinois, and far northeast Missouri from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT Monday due to critical fire weather conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Quad Cities, strong southerly winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, combined with low relative humidity as low as 22-23%, are creating dangerous conditions for wildfires. With temperatures ranging from the lower 60s to lower 70s and dry fuels present, any fire that starts could spread rapidly and be difficult to control.
The affected areas include Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Jones, Jackson, Cedar, Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott counties in Iowa; Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll, Whiteside, Rock Island, Henry, Bureau, Putnam, Mercer, Henderson, Warren, Hancock, and McDonough counties in Illinois; and Scotland and Clark counties in Missouri.
Officials strongly discourage outdoor burning due to the high risk of fire spread. Residents should secure loose outdoor items and avoid activities that could generate sparks or flames. If a fire starts, residents should report it immediately to emergency services.
A Red Flag Warning indicates conditions are favorable for extreme fire behavior. Residents in affected areas should remain alert and follow local fire safety guidelines.
