The National Weather Service office in Johnston has issued a red flag warning for the Perry area until 7 p.m. Thursday, with a very high risk of fire danger.
A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will occur shortly, the NWS said. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
The warning covers portions of western and central Iowa.
The risky conditions include northwest of 25 mph, with gusts exceeding 40 mph, and relative humidity of 17% to 25%.
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly, the NWS said. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Crop debris will help promote rapid fire growth should fires develop in agricultural areas. Gusty winds may also blow around unsecured objects, such
as Halloween decorations.
Along with Dallas County, the red flag warning is in effect in Emmet, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, Crawford, Carroll, Greene, Boone, Story, Marshall, Audubon, Guthrie, Polk, Jasper, Poweshiek, Cass, Adair, Madison, Warren, Marion, Mahaska, Adams, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Wapello, Taylor, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne, Appanoose and Davis counties.
ThePerryNews.com will update this weather story as forecasts evolve.
