Sioux Falls, South Dakota – A narrow window of hot, dry, and windy conditions could turn a single spark into a fast-moving grass fire by midday Sunday across eastern South Dakota.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, very high fire danger will develop between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday as humidity drops near 20 percent and northwest winds gust above 30 mph. The most intense overlap of wind and dry air will shift from northwest Iowa during the morning into south-central South Dakota by late afternoon.
Communities along Interstate 29 and Interstate 90, including Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Brookings, and Yankton, face the highest risk for rapid fire spread. Dry grasses and crop fields remain especially vulnerable, and any outdoor burning could quickly get out of control. Areas extending into Sioux City, Le Mars, and Worthington will also see elevated risk.
Emergency managers urge residents to avoid burning debris, delay use of equipment that can spark, and secure trailer chains that could drag along roadways. Even a discarded cigarette could ignite dry vegetation under these conditions.
The fire threat eases after sunset as winds weaken and humidity recovers, but additional advisories could be issued if dry conditions persist into early next week.
