Thanks to strong winds, dry vegetation, and low humidity, the danger of fire is considered "extreme" this afternoon. That's the warning from the National Weather Service for eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
It's called a "Red Flag Warning," and it's in effect until 7 pm.
Under these conditions, the weather service says if a grass or wildfire would get started, flames would spread rapidly and be very difficult to control.
And that's why any outdoor burning should be avoided.