With extreme fire risk conditions across Minnesota today June 18th, the National Weather Service has 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.
Minnesota Fire Risk – Critical fire weather conditions expected this afternoon and evening across much of central Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin due to very low relative humidity and breezy winds. West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts around 30 mph, afternoon humidity around 20 percent, and the ongoing drought will result in critical fire weather conditions Friday afternoon.
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 Red Flag Warning expires at 8 p.m. on Jun 18th.