Red Flag Warning in effect for parts of Mid-Missouri

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of Mid-Missouri, mainly north of I-70 and west of Highway 63 until 7 p.m. Monday.

Any outdoor or open burning should be avoided this afternoon due to the high risk of fire spreading very quickly and getting out of control.

With temperatures in the 70s and dew points in the low 30s, the air at the surface of the atmosphere is very dry. The soil and vegetation (grasses, plants, and limbs) are also very dry due to a lack of moisture, and could act as a source of fuel for any fire that does ignite.

Those two factors in combination with gusty south winds up to 30 mph increase the risk of fires spreading in Mid-Missouri.

Winds will die down slightly Monday night, but pick up to around 20 mph again on Tuesday. However, more clouds will be present and there is a slight rain chance for the northern half of the viewing area Tuesday morning, helping mitigate the risk for fires once again.