Red Flag Warning Issued for Northeast Iowa: Critical Fire Weather Conditions Expected Wednesday
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for eight counties in northeast Iowa due to a dangerous combination of high winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a Red Flag Warning for northeast Iowa. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are expected to develop, driven by strong winds and very dry conditions. The warning replaces the previously issued Fire Weather Watch.
Affected Areas
The following counties in northeast Iowa are included in the warning area:
- Mitchell
- Howard
- Winneshiek
- Allamakee
- Floyd
- Chickasaw
- Fayette
- Clayton
What You Should Do
Outdoor burning is not recommended during this period. Any fire that develops under these conditions will catch and spread quickly. Residents should exercise extreme caution, as tall grasses have dried enough to become highly receptive to ignition and rapid fire spread despite recent snowmelt.
Expected Conditions
- Winds: West winds between 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
- Relative Humidity: Levels are expected to drop as low as 17 percent.
- Temperatures: High temperatures are forecast to reach up to 59 degrees.
- Fire Behavior: A combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures will contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is effective from 12:00 PM (noon) CST to 7:00 PM CST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice
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