Elevated fire danger today

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged today, with an elevated fire danger across the region.

The National Weather Service says that very low humidity and plenty of dry grass and leaves on the ground means fires could quickly get out of control as winds gust over 30 miles per hour at times.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 7 pm for all of southeast Missouri, and the southern Illinois counties of Johnson, Pulaski, Alexander, Union, Williamson and Jackson.

These conditions will persist for several days, with only a weekend chance for rain that will not bring much relief to the overall dry conditions.