St. Louis, MO — A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Friday for much of central, southeast, and east-central Missouri, as well as portions of southwestern Illinois, due to dangerous fire weather conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, the warning covers counties across the St. Louis metro and surrounding areas, including St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, and Madison counties in Illinois. Southwest winds between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, combined with relative humidity as low as 17 percent, are driving the elevated wildfire risk.
Officials warn that any fires that start could spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Residents are strongly advised to avoid all outdoor burning, secure flammable materials, and report any signs of fire immediately.
These dry and windy springtime conditions, along with dormant vegetation, are contributing to a volatile environment across the region. Fire officials urge the public to monitor emergency alerts and adhere to local burn restrictions throughout the day.
The warning applies to both urban and rural areas, including St. Louis and the surrounding counties. Fire crews remain on heightened alert as conditions continue to support aggressive fire behavior.
