Rangeland Fire Danger Forecast
Issued by NWS Sioux Falls, SD
Issued by NWS Sioux Falls, SD
055 FNUS63 KFSD 100926 RFDFSD Rangeland Fire Danger Statement National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD 426 AM CDT Sat Oct 10 2026 .DISCUSSION... South winds could increase quickly by mid-late morning, with peak gusts 30-40 mph for most locations between 10 am and 3 to 4 pm. Locally higher gusts near 45 mph will be possible along/near the Buffalo Ridge in southwest Minnesota at times. Wind speeds may be on a downward trend as we reach the lowest humidity levels of 25-35% mid-late afternoon. This is more likely toward south- central South Dakota where gusts ease to less than 30 mph as humidity falls to near 20 percent. While these strong winds and low afternoon humidity levels will push the Grassland Fire Danger Index (GFDI) into the High category for most locations today, this reflects fire danger for native grasses, which still maintain some relative greenness. However, with harvest season underway and crops significantly dry in many areas, field activities may be a driving force behind a greater wildfire potential. The GFDI for these fully cured fuels suggests considerable concern through the Tri-State area, so extreme caution should be used when working outside today. IAZ001>003-012-013-020-031-MNZ071-072-080-081-089-090-097-098- NEZ013-014-SDZ039-040-050-053>056-058>071-101230- Lyon-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O`Brien-Plymouth-Woodbury-Lincoln- Murray-Cottonwood-Nobles-Jackson-Pipestone-Rock-Dixon-Dakota- Kingsbury-Brookings-Gregory-Sanborn-Miner-Lake-Moody-Aurora- Davison-Hanson-McCook-Minnehaha-Charles Mix-Douglas-Hutchinson- Turner-Bon Homme-Yankton-Clay-Union- ...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 SUNDAY AFTERNOON...The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the low 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. $$ IAZ014-021-022-032-SDZ038-052-057-101230- Clay-Cherokee-Buena Vista-Ida-Beadle-Jerauld-Brule- ...MODERATE FIRE DANGER... The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the moderate category this afternoon. Marginal weather conditions or lowering moisture content of grasses, and other dry organic material on the ground, indicate that there is some potential for a fire to spread. Any outdoor burning should be closely monitored. OUTLOOK FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON...The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the moderate category. The grassland fire danger product reflects fire danger for native grasses. It is not intended for cured agricultural crops, nor will it reflect conditions in road ditches which have been mowed. $$