The National Weather Service has issued a “red flag warning” for potentially fast-spreading fires for leeward areas of the Hawaiian Islands due to high winds and low humidity this afternoon.

The red flag warning is in effect until 6 p.m.

The weather service said high winds combined with low humidity are creating the potential for rapid fire growth.

Winds are expected to blow from 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph, according to weather service officials.

Officials said relative humidity could be as low as 40 percent this afternoon.

Officials said the red warnings could be in effect for Tuesday afternoon as well.