Sioux Falls, SD – A Red Flag Warning has been issued across several counties in South Dakota and Nebraska due to critical fire weather conditions expected this afternoon. The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has alerted residents that the warning will be in effect from 1 PM to 10 PM CDT on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
According to the National Weather Service, strong northwest winds between 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph, will combine with low humidity levels as low as 18 percent. These conditions will significantly increase the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires. Affected areas include Lincoln, Lake, Minnehaha, and several counties across South Dakota, as well as parts of Nebraska such as Dixon and Dakota counties.
The Red Flag Warning means that any fire that ignites could spread quickly and uncontrollably. Officials advise against outdoor burning today, as the conditions are ideal for extreme fire behavior. These warnings affect areas that are typically prone to dry conditions, with this being a particularly high-risk period due to the combination of wind and humidity.
Residents are urged to take extra caution during the warning period, avoid outdoor burning, and be alert to rapidly changing fire conditions in their communities.
