Rapid City, SD – Residents across southern South Dakota should prepare for extremely dangerous fire conditions today as unusually warm, dry, and windy weather settles over the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Rapid City, temperatures will rise into the 70s across the plains—potentially nearing 80 degrees in isolated areas—while afternoon humidity drops as low as 15 percent. Forecasters said gusty west winds will combine with the dry air to create “critical fire weather conditions” across the southern part of the state.
The agency issued an Extreme Fire Danger statement for Western Fall River County and Northern Oglala Lakota County, including Ardmore, Edgemont, Provo, Rumford, Kyle, Rockyford, and Sharps Corner. According to the statement, the grassland fire danger index is expected to reach the extreme category this afternoon.
Meteorologists say these conditions can cause fires to spread rapidly and behave unpredictably. According to the alert, the very low moisture content in grasses and other dry vegetation means “all fires have the potential to become large and spread quickly,” with erratic movement that could threaten property or safety.
Officials strongly urge residents to avoid all outdoor burning today. Even small sparks from equipment, vehicles, or discarded cigarettes could ignite fast-moving grass fires.
The National Weather Service reports that conditions should improve by Saturday, with cooler temperatures and lighter winds dropping the fire danger to the moderate category.
If you live in the affected area – have you noticed smoke or winds picking up this morning?
