The National Weather Service has extended a red flag warning for the leeward areas of most Hawaiian islands due to dry lands, and strong winds today.

The warning is now in effect through 6 p.m. Saturday.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring, or will shortly, and that a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Weather officials said the lack of significant rainfall this summer has led to dry conditions that provide “fuels” for wildfires.

These dry conditions, combined with breezy tradewinds of 15 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, and low relative humidity during the afternoons, will lead to critical fire conditions, forecasters said.

The watch covers the leeward side of Kauai, much of Oahu, along with leeward Molokai, leeward Maui and Haleakala, Maui’s Central Valley, and Kona, Kohala, and the interior of the island of Hawaii.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly officials said. Outdoor burning is not recommended.