Gusty southwest winds, low relative humidity values and already dry conditions will set the stage for a high fire danger in much of northern Indiana and northwestern Ohio.

The National Weather Service says a Red Flag warning is in effect where the risk is the greatest. An elevated fire danger will exist outside the warning area. Those performing harvest operations should exercise extreme caution as any field fires could quickly spread out of control.

As for temperatures today, expect highs in the upper 50s, and lows in the lower to mid 30s.

In addition, the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a Red Flag Warning for strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fine fuels, which is in effect from 1 PM this afternoon to 8 PM EDT this evening.

AFFECTED AREA...The counties of Steuben, Noble, De Kalb, Pulaski, Fulton IN, Whitley, Allen IN, White, Cass IN, Miami, Wabash, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Grant, Blackford, Jay, Northern Kosciusko, Southern Kosciusko, Williams, Fulton OH, Defiance, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Allen OH * TIMING...This afternoon into early evening. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts 25 to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 to 25 percent. Isolated values less than 20 percent possible. * TEMPERATURES...In the upper 50s to lower 60s. * IMPACTS...The combination of strong winds, very low relative humidity, abnormally dry conditions will likely promote rapid spread of any fires.

The threat is greatest in rural areas where harvest activities are occurring. Outdoor burning is not recommended.