Elevated Fire Risk Today, Warmer Temperatures This Weekend

The National Weather Service says high winds and low humidity will lead to elevated risk of grass fires today. 

All of southern Missouri and parts of northwest Arkansas are listed as areas that fires could get out of control quickly. Officials are cautioning against outdoor burning and also getting involved in activities that might start fires. 

Winds are expected to gust between 20 and 30 MPH and humidity levels are forecast to drop to between 25 and 30%. 

A warm-up is expected to begin over the weekend as winds shift to the south bringing in warmer air with high temperatures expected back into the 70s by Sunday.