La Crosse, WI – A critical fire weather warning is in effect for parts of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa through this evening. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued the warning due to weather conditions favoring rapidly spreading grass, brush, and crop fires.
According to the NWS, breezy southwest winds gusting between 30 and 40 mph and low humidity levels between 15% and 25% have created a high risk of fire. Residents in the affected areas are strongly urged to avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve.
Farmers are asked to take extra precautions while harvesting, as sparks from combines could ignite dry vegetation. The NWS recommends closely monitoring all harvesting operations and immediately extinguishing any fires that may occur. Winds are expected to decrease later this evening, gradually reducing the fire risk.
