The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for our primary coverage area.

The wind advisory is in effect for Greene, Guthrie, Dallas, and Adair counties until 7pm tonight. Hazards with a wind advisory include winds as high as 45-miles-per-hour. With high winds and dry conditions, the Iowa Grassland Fire Danger Index reports all of our counties, including much of the state, is at an extreme risk for fires. Greene County is also under a red flag warning. Sheriff Jack Williams explains what happens during a red flag warning.

“So if you have a controlled burn, the chances of you actually being able to control it and keep it contained is going to be pretty slim. So if you do plan on doing a controlled burn, make sure you have every option that you have out there to try and control it readily available (and) make sure you call it in so we know where it’s at. And also make sure you know where you’re at so we’re not trying to find you in amongst five other fires.”

Williams adds that if people can hold off from doing any open burns today, it would be beneficial.

“I would recommend everybody to wait until the winds subside. Until we get rain, I believe we are suppose to get some rain tomorrow and it’ll help reduce the risk of the extreme fire (dangers).”

The National Weather Service is predicting a 40 to 60-percent chance of thunderstorms developing Tuesday night into Wednesday.