Rangeland Fire Danger Forecast
Issued by NWS Sioux Falls, SD
Issued by NWS Sioux Falls, SD
706 FNUS63 KFSD 230824 RFDFSD Rangeland Fire Danger Statement National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD 324 AM CDT Fri Oct 23 2026 .DISCUSSION... Issued at 124 PM CDT Thu Oct 22 2026 Concerning fire weather develops today. 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 35-45 mph. 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. That said, the combination of strong winds, drying fuels, and abnormally warm temperatures will lead to widespread high to very high GFDI values. 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. Near to below normal temperatures are expected Sunday into 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. MNZ071-080-097-NEZ013-014-SDZ038>040-050-052>071-231130- Lincoln-Murray-Pipestone-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- ...VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER... The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the very high category this afternoon. Very poor weather conditions and very low moisture content of grasses, and other dry organic material on the ground, indicate that dangerous burning conditions exist. Fires will spread rapidly and show erratic behavior. Outdoor burning is not recommended. OUTLOOK FOR SATURDAY 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. $$ IAZ001>003-012>014-020>022-031-032-MNZ072-081-089-090-098-231130- Lyon-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O`Brien-Clay-Plymouth-Cherokee- Buena Vista-Woodbury-Ida-Cottonwood-Nobles-Jackson-Rock- ...HIGH FIRE DANGER... The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the high category this afternoon. Unfavorable weather conditions and low moisture content of grasses, and other dry organic material on the ground, indicate that there is a high potential for a fire to spread.. Outdoor burning should be restricted to early morning or evening hours, when wind speeds are usually lower and the relative humidity is higher. OUTLOOK FOR SATURDAY AFTERNOON...The Grassland Fire Danger Index will reach the moderate category. The grassland fire danger product reflects fire danger for native grasses. It is not intended for cured agricultural crops, nor will it reflect conditions in road ditches which have been mowed. $$