Given temperatures well below freezing in some cases, protecting tender plants from the cold is advised. To prevent bursting of outdoor water pipes, they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly.

What...Brisk winds, dry vegetation, and lower relative humidity will combine to produce elevated fire weather conditions later today. Early morning southwest winds will become northwest area wide later this morning with gusts as high as 25 to 35 mph possible. Relative humidities may drop to as low as 25 to 35 percent by afternoon. Where...Much of central Iowa, especially north and east. When...Midday into the early evening. Impacts...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly. Preparedness and Precautionary Actions...Burning is discouraged under these conditions. Also, take care to prevent the start of accidental fires when smoking or operating vehicles around dry vegetation.