KOSCIUSKO — The National Weather Service of Northern Indiana has issued a red flag warning, which warns of critical fire weather conditions, for Kosciusko and surrounding counties. The warning begins at noon and is expected to last until 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, May 1.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. This is due to the combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, high temperatures in the low-80s and existing dry conditions.

Dry conditions combined with lagging vegetation growth for this time of year will bring an elevated risk for grass, leaf, and brush fires as winds increase Tuesday.

Other local counties under the warning include Elkhart, Noble, Marshall, Fulton, Whitley and Allen counties.