The National Weather Service has announced a high danger of fire today for the area due to dry conditions and winds. West to northwest winds will be gusty and increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour. The winds, paired with low relative humidity are creating the heightened fire danger across the region. The danger is mainly for agricultural fields with dry, unharvested crops. With these conditions fires will grow and spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is discouraged and should be postponed to another day.
The special weather statement is for Washington County, as well as Keokuk, Louisa, Jefferson, Henry, and Johnson counties, in addition to other areas of eastern Iowa and parts of western Illinois.