Grassland Fire Danger Statement from NWS Sioux Falls

Grassland Fire Danger Statement

Statewide Grassland Fire Danger maps are also available for the states of South Dakota and Iowa.
Please take note of the legend beneath the maps for the color scheme.

Note: The Grassland Fire Danger statement will be issued daily from April 1st to November 15th, or as conditions warrant during the Spring and late Autumn. It will also be issued during the winter months if the index reaches High, Very High or Extreme. Please check the date on the map and the text product below to ensure you are looking at a current product.

Check the text product beneath the maps for detailed Fire Danger information.

Key for Fire Danger Maps:

	Low - Green
	Moderate - Blue
	High - Yellow

	Very High - Orange
	Extreme - Red

    
                        

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FNUS63 KFSD 230005

RFDFSD



Rangeland Fire Danger Statement

National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD

705 PM CDT Thu Oct 22 2026



.DISCUSSION...

Issued at 124 PM CDT Thu Oct 22 2026



Concerning fire weather develops on Friday. After morning

sprinkles to light rain move northeast, strong southeast surface

winds develop through the day with sustained winds to 20 mph

and gust of 35+ mph. Greater wind focus will develop west of

I-29, but especially along and west of the James River valley

with occasional gusts to 45 mph are likely. While temperatures

reach near 80 degrees, dew points may try to pool ahead of a

weak front in central South Dakota. This may hold relative

humidity values well above critical red flag warning thresholds.

However, a special weather statement and other messaging will

be considered for this unique scenario.



That said, the combination of strong winds, drying fuels, and

abnormally warm temperatures will lead to widespread high to

very high GFDI values (along and west of I-29). The greater

danger will be in harvest activities, with the GFDIAg values

reaching well into the very high category over most of the CWA.

Any agricultural activities should use caution and local

partners should be aware of the increased potential for fire

starts in farm fields.



Light rain begins to move into the area by Saturday, with

chances increasing for a widespread wetting rain into early next

week.



People are urged to exercise extreme care with respect to outdoor

activities that could cause grass fires. Avoid equipment that can

cause sparks near dry grass or brush. Do not toss cigarettes on

the ground. Report new fires quickly to the nearest fire

department or law enforcement office.





IAZ001-012-MNZ071-072-080-097-098-NEZ013-014-SDZ038>040-050-

052>071-230315-

Lyon-Sioux-Lincoln-Murray-Pipestone-Rock-Dixon-Dakota-Beadle-

Kingsbury-Brookings-Gregory-Jerauld-Sanborn-Miner-Lake-Moody-

Brule-Aurora-Davison-Hanson-McCook-Minnehaha-Charles Mix-Douglas-

Hutchinson-Turner-Bon Homme-Yankton-Clay-Union-



OUTLOOK FOR FRIDAY AFTERNOON...The Grassland Fire Danger Index

will reach the very high category.



The grassland fire danger product reflects fire danger for native

grasses. It is not intended for cured agricultural crops, nor

will it reflect conditions in road ditches which have been mowed.





$$



IAZ002-003-013-014-020>022-031-032-MNZ081-089-090-230315-

Osceola-Dickinson-O`Brien-Clay-Plymouth-Cherokee-Buena Vista-

Woodbury-Ida-Cottonwood-Nobles-Jackson-



OUTLOOK FOR FRIDAY AFTERNOON...The Grassland Fire Danger Index

will reach the high category.



The grassland fire danger product reflects fire danger for native

grasses. It is not intended for cured agricultural crops, nor

will it reflect conditions in road ditches which have been mowed.





$$