FNUS63 KFSD 150857
RFDFSD

Rangeland Fire Danger Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
357 AM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

.DISCUSSION...

Although humidity values today fall to below 25% west of the James
River, light southerly winds preclude any widespread concerns.
Minimum RH values increase further east with light winds and
scattered shower/storm chances, widespread elevated fire danger is
not expected today.

Attention turns to Thursday with temperatures climbing into the 80s.
A dry day is expected, and much drier air moves into the region
leading to minimum humidity values as low as 15% and only as high as
around 30%. These factors along with strong southwesterly winds
gusting to around 30 mph will lead to near critical to critical fire
conditions as fuels remain dry. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued
along and west of I-29 from noon to 8 PM, where the strongest winds
and lowest humidity coincide.

Confidence is low in the potential for near critical fire conditions
Friday due to a cold front moving through Thursday into Friday. This
timing impacts temperatures and there may be some showers with some
uncertainty in the precipitation type. Northwesterly winds on Friday
will be stronger than Thursday, gusting to around 40 mph. However,
RH values are expected to be near or exceed 35%, which with cooler
temperatures and precipitation, may temper widespread concerns.
Breezy and cooler weather Saturday may lead to elevated concerns,
but confidence is low.


IAZ001>003-012>014-020>022-031-032-MNZ071-072-080-081-089-090-097-
098-NEZ013-014-SDZ038>040-050-052>071-151200-
Lyon-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O'Brien-Clay-Plymouth-Cherokee-
Buena Vista-Woodbury-Ida-Lincoln-Murray-Cottonwood-Nobles-Jackson-
Pipestone-Rock-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-Union-

...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 THURSDAY AFTERNOON...The Grassland Fire Danger Index
will reach the very 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.


$$