Fire, frost dangers for Southeast Missouri today, tonight

The National Weather Service is warning the local area about conditions that could contribute to out-of-control fires today and frost tonight.

In a special weather statement for Southeast Missouri the weather service said low humidity and high winds will combine today to increase the danger of fires. A red flag warning has been posted for parts of Illinois and Kentucky.

The weather service also said in its statement that lows tonight in the mid- to lower 30s could cause widespread frost, particularly on Wednesday night.

"Given the entire area is in full bloom ... this could have a huge impact," the special weather statement says.

Record high temperatures in March and a warm winter have contributed to plants around the area blooming about a month ahead of schedule.