Red Flag Warning Issued for Osceola, Dickinson, and Clay Counties in Iowa

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or are imminent in the region.

Affected Areas

The warning applies to the following counties in Northwest Iowa:

• Osceola
• Dickinson
• Clay

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are strongly advised that outdoor burning is not recommended. Any fire that develops under these conditions will catch and spread quickly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: Northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts reaching as high as 50 mph.
• Relative Humidity: Humidity levels are forecast to drop as low as 20 percent.
• Impacts: The high winds and dry air create an environment where fire can spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 6:00 PM CST this evening, February 27, 2026.