Red Flag Warning and Air Quality Action Alert for Thursday

NORTH WEBSTER, Ind. (WANE) - The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a Red Flag Warning for northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

The NWS says very hot temperatures forecasted to be over 100 degrees, low relative humidity, and gusty winds will lead to an increased fire danger on Thursday.

The entire NewsChannel 15 viewing area, and surrounding areas are under the Red Flag Warning.  This will be in effect Thursday morning through Thursday Evening.

Red Flag Warnings are a rare thing here in Indiana.  So what is it exactly?  A Red Flag Warning will be issued if the following criteria are met.

• Dry spell in the area at least 1 week long
• A National Fire Danger Rating of high to extreme
• Winds of at least 15 mph
• Relative humidity of 25% or lower
• Temperatures of at least 75 degrees

These conditions will be met across the Midwest on Thursday.  The thing to remember during this drought and especially on Thursday, is to be careful.  Any little spark could lead to a grass fire, or worse, a wildfire.

Keep up-to-date on the latest drought conditions at the WANE Weather Blogs .

An Air Quality Alert was also issued for Allen and Whitley Counties in our area.  The level of ozone in Fort Wayne and Allen County is expected to be at an unhealthy level for people in sensitive groups on Thursday.

The elderly, people with heart or lung disease, and active adults and children should limit or avoid activity outside on Thursday. If it becomes difficult to breath, go inside and call your healthcare provider.

For more information on the Air Quality Action Day check out the IDEM Smog Watch or the Clean Air Force .