Red Flag Warnings Issued Across Central U.S. Amid Dry Conditions
The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings across a large portion of the central United States, stretching from central Minnesota down to West Texas. These warnings indicate dangerously dry weather conditions, which are exacerbated by strong winds and low humidity levels. In northeastern South Dakota and west-central Minnesota, winds are expected to be sustained between 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph. As a cold front moves in later today, gusts may increase to around 40 mph. Relative humidity in these areas is predicted to drop as low as 15%. Meanwhile, western Kansas is experiencing gusts up to 35 mph and humidity levels as low as 9%. These conditions are contributing to the ongoing drought affecting much of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, where hard-red winter wheat is growing. 
