Record high temperatures are expected to shatter across south central Iowa as potentially one of the warmest February days ever is in the forecast.

According to the National Weather Service, afternoon highs are expected to climb into the low 70s across most of South Central Iowa. The previous record in Knoxville for February 26th is 68, set in 1896. The all-time record in Des Moines for the hottest day ever in February was 78, set on February 24th, 1930.

Breezy winds are in the forecast today as well, and that, coupled with low humidity and the ongoing drought, will increase the risk for fires to spread quickly. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for most of the day, and outdoor burns are not recommended. Area fire departments responded to several calls for grass fires over the weekend.

Additional records are possible Tuesday as highs locally approach and potentially top 70 degrees. A dramatic drop is expected late Tuesday into Wednesday, as morning lows drop to the upper teens. Some wintry precipitation is possible, but significant accumulations are not expected. From there, a warming bounce back is in the long-term forecast, as high temperatures will increase 10-15 degrees daily from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday.