Fire Weather Warning for Today
Gusty winds combined with low humidities and dry conditions will increase wildfire danger across Central and Western Minnesota where a Red Flag Warning has been issued from now through 9 PM tonight, including Douglas, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Morrison, Pope, Stearns, Swift, and Todd Counties.
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Red Flag Warning in Effect Today
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
According to NOAA's 2021 Spring Outlook for the United States, Minnesotans could expect a warmer than normal Spring -- which would mean that we could see some warm temperatures in April, with the next three months looking warmer too.
From the National Weather Service this morning: Temperatures will rise to near 90 this afternoon and the relative humidity is expected to drop to between 15 and 25 percent. Northwest winds will increase this afternoon with occasional gusts of 25 to 30 mph, resulting in a high likelihood of critical fire weather conditions.