Well above normal temperatures will combine with gusty winds and dry conditions to create very high fire danger today. Fuels remain dry early this spring, and any fires that develop will have the potential to grow out of control quickly. While a burn ban in Marion County was lifted late last week, the Pella Fire Department responded to multiple grass fire calls over the weekend as they became uncontained.

A warm and breezy start to the week will be followed by widespread rain and cooler temperatures by Thursday. Highs remain warm in the 60s and 70s through Wednesday, with some cloud cover drifting overhead Tuesday and Wednesday. Shower and thunderstorm chances then begin to develop late Wednesday night and last through the day Thursday. A few thunderstorms are also possible, mainly over southern Iowa.