A red flag warning is in effect Friday, June 18, with the worst conditions expected this afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Duluth issued the warning Friday morning as a fire weather watch was upgraded to the warning, meaning any spark could become a wildfire in these conditions.
Ongoing drought conditions, low relative humidity in the 20-30% range and northwest winds gusting to 25-30 mph are combining for the critical fire weather conditions.
With extreme fire risk conditions across Minnesota today, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the following counties: Aitkin, Anoka, Benton, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Crow Wing, Douglas, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Pope, Ramsey, Renville, Sherburne, St. Louis, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Washington, Wright and Yellow Medicine.
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Near-critical fire conditions are expected for areas outside the red flag warning.
"A Red Flag Warning means the area is experiencing critical weather conditions that are ideal for wildfire, including strong winds and low humidity. Do not burn while the Red Flag Warning remains in effect and check any burning done recently to ensure the fire is out. Any spark could become a wildfire under Red Flag conditions," the weather service and DNR reported Friday.
The critical conditions extend from east-central Minnesota into northwest Wisconsin.
The Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Friday.
