Red Flag Warning Issued for Southern Black Hills Due to Critical Fire Conditions

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Rapid City has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Southern Black Hills. The alert was issued on February 27 and remains in effect until 6:00 PM MST this evening.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts Fire Weather Zone 321, covering the Southern Black Hills region. While the broader regional alert mentions parts of northeastern Wyoming and south-central South Dakota, this specific warning focuses on the Southern Black Hills.

What You Should Do

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. Residents are advised to prepare for potential fire hazards. The National Weather Service warns that the combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Expected Conditions

Very dry air is currently over the region, with existing D1 to D2 drought conditions exacerbating the fire potential. Expected conditions include:

• Winds: Northwest winds between 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph.
• Relative Humidity: Levels are expected to drop as low as 15 percent.
• Impacts: The combination of these factors will produce critical fire weather conditions.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 6:00 PM MST on Friday, February 27, 2026.