Red Flag Warning -- A term used by fire-weather forecasters to call attention to limited weather conditions of particular importance that may result in extreme burning conditions. It is issued when it is an on-going event or the fire weather forecaster has a high degree of confidence that Red Flag criteria will occur within 24 hours of issuance. Red Flag criteria occurs whenever a geographical area has been in a dry spell for a week or two, or for a shorter period, if before spring green-up or after fall color, and the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) is high to extreme and the following forecast weather parameters are forecasted to be met:1) a sustained wind average 15 mph or greater 2) relative humidity less than or equal to 25 percent and 3) a temperature of greater than 75 degrees F. In some states, dry lightning and unstable air are criteria. A Fire Weather Watch may be issued prior to the Red Flag Warning 'Red flag' Fire Warning in effect today THE NEWS JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 15,2011 Hazardous fire conditions today in Kent, Sussex 4:20 AM, Feb. 15, 2011 | Breezy winds and dry conditions will produce hazardous fire conditions in Kent and Sussex counties today, the National Weather Service says. The service issued a "red flag warning" for the two counties as well as nearby areas on the Eastern Shore of Maryland from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The warning means conditions will exist for the rapid spread of any uncontrolled fires. Winds are expected to gust to 35 mph this morning and 25 mph this afternoon. Relative humidity is predicted to drop to near 25 percent this afternoon. Skies will be sunny today with a high temperature of 35 in New Castle County, 38 in Kent County and 42 in Sussex County, the service said. Tonight's low will be in the low 20s in New Castle and Kent Counties and around 17 in Sussex County.