The National Weather Service has issued a “red flag” warning for leeward areas of all islands because weather conditions are conducive to brush fires.

The warning is in effect throught Tuesday evening, forecasters said.

They said the dry conditions and increasing trade winds create the potential for rapid fire growth. The warning is not meant to predict new fire starts, forecasters said.

Trade winds of 15 to 25 mph, with higher gusts, are expected to return to the islands this week.