Conservation Corner — Check Red Flag Warnings and Drought Monitoring

Check Red Flag Warnings and Drought Monitoring

Virginia Ekstrand

Planting and gardening season is here. In many places, fire is part of the cleanup process. IT is important to remind everyone to check and make sure it is safe. Iowa has been in the middle of a drought for many seasons now. Additionally, the changing rain and wind patterns make it difficult to predict how dangerous it may be to burn. Call your local fire department if you plan a burn. They will be able to recommend the proper action.

There are many sites that monitor the burn and drought conditions. Two sites that are particularly helpful have maps so one may quickly see the situation. Red Flag Warnings are issued but these are the extreme risk. Looking at the big picture helps keep everyone safe.

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=IAZ088 has a special weather statement and hazardous weather information. A significant number of counties close to and including Henry County Iowa are included. March 11 examples follow.

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL 427 AM CDT Mon Mar 11 2024

Buchanan-Delaware-Dubuque-Benton-Linn-Jones-Jackson-Iowa-Johnson-Cedar-Clinton-Muscatine-Scott-Keokuk-Washington-Louisa-Jefferson-Henry IA-Des Moines-Van Buren-Lee-Jo Daviess-Stephenson-Carroll-Whiteside-Rock Island-Henry IL-Bureau-Putnam-Mercer-Henderson-Warren-Hancock-McDonough-Scotland-Clark-Including the cities of Independence, Manchester, Dubuque, Vinton, Cedar Rapids, Anamosa, Maquoketa, Marengo, Iowa City, Tipton, Clinton, Muscatine, Davenport, Bettendorf, Sigourney, Washington, Wapello, Fairfield, Mount Pleasant, Burlington, Keosauqua, Fort Madison, Galena, Freeport, Mount Carroll, Sterling, Moline, Rock Island, Geneseo, Princeton, Hennepin, Aledo, Oquawka, Monmouth, Carthage, Macomb, Memphis, and Kahoka

Very High Cropland Fire Danger Today …

Gusty southwest winds are expected today, with gusts up to 30 mph possible later this morning through the afternoon hours. These winds, along with low humidity and unseasonably warm temperatures, will lead to a very high cropland fire danger today. Any fires that develop will spread quickly.

Avoid brush or grass burning today, use extra caution with farm and outdoor equipment, and do not carelessly discard cigarettes.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL 305 AM CDT Mon Mar 11 2024

Buchanan-Delaware-Dubuque-Benton-Linn-Jones-Jackson-Iowa-Johnson-Cedar-Clinton-Muscatine-Scott-Keokuk-Washington-Louisa-Jefferson-Henry IA-Des Moines-Van Buren-Lee-Jo Daviess-Stephenson-Carroll-Whiteside-Rock Island-Henry IL-Bureau-Putnam-Mercer-Henderson-Warren-Hancock-McDonough-Scotland-Clark-

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central Illinois … northwest Illinois … west central Illinois … east central Iowa … northeast Iowa … southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri.

DAY ONE … TODAY AND TONIGHT

Unseasonably warm temperatures, gusty southwesterly winds, and

lower humidity levels will lead to a very high fire danger today.

. DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN … TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY (March 12-17)

There is a chance of thunderstorms Tuesday evening and night, as well as Wednesday night through Thursday. The risk for severe weather appears low at this time.

SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT …

Spotter activation will not be needed tonight.

Plan to keep your property, family and neighbors safe. Look ahead and use common sense.