Grassland Fire Danger Statement from NWS Sioux Falls

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

    

                        

438

FNUS63 KFSD 220827

RFDFSD



Rangeland Fire Danger Statement

National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD

327 AM CDT Thu Oct 22 2026



.DISCUSSION...



Warm temperatures, increasing winds, and dry conditions today will

lead to elevated fire concerns - especially west of I-29. By this

afternoon, southerly winds increase to 10-15 mph, with gusts 20-25

mph and as high as 30 mph in south central SD. Highs climb to the

mid 70s and near 80 degrees. Minimum humidity values above 40%

should temper widespread significant concerns today.



Mostly dry conditions continue Friday after some scattered morning

showers/sprinkles. Probability of more than a tenth of an inch of

rain is low (less than 15%). Southerly winds continue to increase

through the morning hours with gusts by the afternoon 30 to 45 mph,

highest toward and west of US Highway 81. Gusts around 50 mph are

possible (30% or less) in south central SD. These strong winds

coupled with drying fuels/crops and temperatures in the mid 70s to

lower 80s, will lead to near critical fire conditions over the

entire area. Humidity values should remain above critical thresholds

(values near/above 35%); however, GFDI values climb into the High

and Very High categories. Any fire that starts will likely quickly

spread given dry grasses and crops; use extreme caution to prevent

sparks.



Locally elevated fire danger may continue into Saturday, although

rain chances will be increasing and temperatures cooling as a

boundary moves into the area. Rain chances and cooler temperatures

prevail into the weekend and early next week, tempering fire

concerns.



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.





SDZ050-221130-

Gregory-



...HIGH FIRE DANGER...



The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the high category

this afternoon. Unfavorable weather conditions and low

moisture content of grasses, and other dry organic material

on the ground, indicate that there is a high potential for

a fire to spread.. Outdoor burning should be restricted to

early morning or evening hours, when wind speeds are usually

lower and the relative humidity is higher.



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.





$$



IAZ001>003-012>014-020>022-031-032-MNZ071-072-080-081-089-090-097-

098-NEZ013-014-SDZ038>040-052>071-221130-

Lyon-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O`Brien-Clay-Plymouth-Cherokee-

Buena Vista-Woodbury-Ida-Lincoln-Murray-Cottonwood-Nobles-Jackson-

Pipestone-Rock-Dixon-Dakota-Beadle-Kingsbury-Brookings-Jerauld-

Sanborn-Miner-Lake-Moody-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Hanson-McCook-

Minnehaha-Charles Mix-Douglas-Hutchinson-Turner-Bon Homme-Yankton-

Union-



...MODERATE FIRE DANGER...



The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the moderate

category this afternoon. Marginal weather conditions or

lowering moisture content of grasses, and other dry organic

material on the ground, indicate that there is some potential

for a fire to spread. Any outdoor burning should be closely

monitored.



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.





$$