Critical fire weather conditions across Minnesota

Critical fire weather conditions are expected to develop across much of Minnesota on Thursday afternoon, as a low-pressure system approaches.

Gusty southerly winds, low humidity levels, and drought-affected land will contribute to red flag warnings and heightened fire weather concerns across the state from Thursday into Friday.

Breezy, mild and dry

Southerly winds will strengthen ahead of an approaching surface low-pressure system through Friday, with gusts reaching as high as 35 to 40 mph on Thursday afternoon.

Our relative humidity values are expected to drop to as low as 20 to 25 percent on Thursday afternoon.

Thanks to warm southerly winds, temperatures are expected to rise 10 to 20 degrees above normal through early next week. Highs this weekend will reach the 60s and 70s, with central and southern Minnesota nearing 80 degrees on Sunday.

The driest conditions and strongest winds are expected from Thursday into Friday, although elevated fire conditions may persist through early next week.

Drought continues

No significant rainfall is anticipated in the forecast through early next week. However, a small disturbance moving through Friday into Saturday will bring light rainfall to northwestern and northern Minnesota, with totals generally ranging from tenths of an inch to less than one-quarter inch.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report indicates that 72 percent of Minnesota is experiencing moderate drought conditions, while severe drought has expanded in parts of north-central and southwestern Minnesota.

Check out our latest Updraft blog for more information on the drought conditions.