Elevated fire danger for Missouri, Illinois on Friday

An elevated fire danger is expected over the Ozark foothills of Missouri, but dry conditions will also be of some concern over the whole region on Friday.

Missouri and southwestern Illinois is forecast to have extremely low humidities of 20 to 30 percent, with 30 to 40 percent readings elsewhere.

Winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour, and lots of dried vegetation all add up to dangerous conditions for outdoor burning. The small amount of rain last night won't do much to improve the dry conditions.

Several wildfires have been reported across the region this week.

Continue to avoid outdoor burning, don't discard cigarette butts or matches, and be careful with equipment that can cause sparks.

Persistent chances of rain are forecast from Sunday through next Thursday.