Full Notification

...NEAR-CRITICAL TO RED FLAG FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ACROSS PORTIONS OF WESTERN AND SOUTHERN MINNESOTA TODAY... .The cold front moving into Minnesota this afternoon has already cause wind gusts to increase ahead of it with peak gusts from 30-35mph being observed generally south of the Minnesota River, with gusts north of the river generally within 30mph. The most concerning fire weather conditions and upgrade to Red Flag conditions is expected south of the Minnesota River where the combination of wind gusts exceeding 30mph and RH dropping into the 20s is expected through the afternoon. Areas north of the Minnesota River are expected to have a timing difference between the strongest gusts happening before noon and RH dropping below 30 later in the afternoon at which point gusts will be in the mid 20s. Elevated conditions are present everywhere such that an additional Special Weather Statement will be issued once the current one expires to cover the entire MPX CWA outside of the Red Flag Warning. The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect until 7 PM CDT this evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* WIND...South to southwest sustained at 15-20 mph with gusts from 30-35 mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent.

* IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* AFFECTED AREAS: LAC QUI PARLE ... YELLOW MEDICINE ... REDWOOD ... BROWN ... WATONWAN ... BLUE EARTH ... MARTIN ... FARIBAULT

Instructions:

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.