Sioux Falls, SD – A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for much of south-central and southeast South Dakota, as well as extreme northeast Nebraska, from Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening. The National Weather Service warns that gusty winds and low humidity could lead to rapidly spreading wildfires.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, affected areas include Beadle, Gregory, Jerauld, Sanborn, Miner, Brule, Aurora, Davison, Hanson, McCook, Charles Mix, Douglas, Hutchinson, Turner, Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay counties in South Dakota, as well as Dixon County in Nebraska. Winds are expected to reach 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, and relative humidity levels may drop as low as 15 to 20 percent.
The National Weather Service in Aberdeen has also issued a Fire Weather Watch for Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening for Stanley, Sully, Hughes, Hyde, Hand, Jones, Lyman, and Buffalo counties in South Dakota. Winds in these regions will range from 10 to 20 mph, with similar humidity concerns.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, as any fires that ignite could spread quickly and become difficult to control. Those in affected areas should monitor weather updates and be prepared for possible Red Flag Warnings.
For updates, residents are encouraged to follow local emergency management agencies and the National Weather Service.
