Minnesota air feels deceptively calm early, but conditions are lining up for rapid fire spread across the Twin Cities by midday as winds strengthen and humidity drops fast. By early afternoon, even a small spark could race across dry grass.
According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon through 7 p.m. as southwest winds increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity falls near 17 percent . These conditions create critical fire weather across central and southern Minnesota and into western Wisconsin.
In Minneapolis and St. Paul, temperatures climb quickly from the low 20s this morning into the upper 50s. Snowmelt combined with dry air means vegetation dries out fast. Open areas along I-94, I-35W, and Highway 52 face the highest risk where winds sweep unobstructed.
Avoid any outdoor burning today. Secure equipment that could spark. Fire crews warn that any ignition could spread within minutes under these winds.
Conditions ease slightly tonight as winds relax and clouds increase, but the pattern remains active. Sunday brings calmer weather with highs near the upper 60s, offering a brief break.
By Monday, temperatures surge into the 70s with a slight chance of showers developing after 1 p.m. That system continues into Tuesday with cooler air and scattered showers, dropping highs back into the low 50s.
Looking ahead, quieter weather returns midweek, but fire concerns could reappear if dry and windy conditions return.
Five Day Forecast for Minneapolis, Minnesota:
Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 57°F, very windy
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, then clearing, high near 67°F
Monday: Slight chance of showers, high near 74°F
Tuesday: Chance of showers, high near 52°F
Wednesday: Sunny, cooler, high near 48°F
