Fire Danger Likely to Stay Elevated until Grass Turns Green
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Dry grass, high winds and warmer temperatures mean the fire danger across much of South Dakota will likely stay higher until the grass turns green.
Meteorologist Scott Rudge with the National Weather Service in Rapid City says this is the so-called shoulder season after the dry winter months and before the heavier precipitation that's typical of late March and April.
He says grass is generally more compacted because of decent snowfall this winter, so it doesn't burn quite as easily. But it's still very dry and flames can be whipped by higher winds that accompany changing weather patterns this time of year.
The outlook for the next week to 10 days is mild and dry.
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