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Critical fire weather conditions across Minnesota

Critical fire weather conditions across Minnesota

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

Gusty southerly winds, low humidity and drought-stricken land will lead to warning signals and increased fire weather concerns across the state Thursday into Friday.

Fire hazard 10-17

Fire danger map for Thursday

NOAA, via Pivotal Weather

Airy, mild and dry

Southerly winds will strengthen through Friday before an area of ​​low pressure approaches the surface, with gusts up to 35 to 40 mph Thursday afternoon.

Winds Thursday morning into Friday morning

Winds Thursday morning into Friday morning

NOAA, via the College of DuPage Weather Laboratory

Our relative humidity levels are expected to drop to 20 to 25 percent Thursday afternoon.

Relative humidity levels from Thursday to Friday morning

Relative humidity levels from Thursday to Friday morning

NOAA, via the College of DuPage Weather Laboratory

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

Temperatures from Thursday afternoon to Sunday night

Temperatures from Thursday afternoon to Sunday night

NOAA, via Pivotal Weather

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

The drought continues

No significant precipitation is in the forecast until early next week. However, a small disturbance extending through Friday into Saturday will bring light rainfall to northwest and northern Minnesota, with total amounts generally ranging from tenths of an inch to less than a quarter of an inch.

Weather forecast simulated radar from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon

Weather forecast simulated radar from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon

NOAA, via the College of DuPage Weather Laboratory

The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that 72 percent of Minnesota is experiencing moderate drought, while parts of north-central and southwestern Minnesota have seen an increase in severe drought.

Drought 10-17

Drought conditions for Minnesota through October 15

National Drought Response Center

Check out our latest Updraft blog More information about drought conditions can be found here.

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