Red Flag Warning Issued for South Central South Dakota Counties Through Sunday Evening
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for south-central South Dakota, effective Sunday afternoon due to high winds and low humidity.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a Red Flag Warning for south-central South Dakota. This alert replaces the previous Fire Weather Watch as critical fire weather conditions are expected to develop in the region.
Affected Areas
The warning impacts the following counties in South Dakota:
- Gregory
- Jerauld
- Sanborn
- Brule
- Aurora
- Davison
- Charles Mix
- Douglas
What You Should Do
Residents in the affected areas are advised that outdoor burning is not recommended. A Red Flag Warning indicates that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. Any fire that develops under these conditions will catch and spread quickly. Residents should prepare for extreme fire behavior and exercise extreme caution with any potential ignition sources.
Expected Conditions
- Winds: South winds between 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph.
- Relative Humidity: Levels are expected to drop as low as 16 percent.
- Hazards: A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will contribute to heightened fire danger.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is effective from 12:00 PM CST to 6:00 PM CST on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice