Weather
Minnesota Weather Today: Record Heat, Strong Winds Raise Fire Risk into Oct 11th
Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota residents face an unusually hot and windy Saturday, October 10, as temperatures climb toward 90 degrees and strong southerly winds create near critical fire weather conditi
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-10T12:48:36.586Z
Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota residents face an unusually hot and windy Saturday, October 10, as temperatures climb toward 90 degrees and strong southerly winds create near critical fire weather conditions. Forecasters warn that dry vegetation, gusty winds and blowing dust could create hazardous conditions, particularly across western Minnesota.
According to the National Weather Service NWS Twin Cities office , Saturday afternoon temperatures are expected to range from 84 to 90 degrees across the region, accompanied by southerly wind gusts generally reaching 30 to 40 mph.
The hottest temperatures and strongest winds are expected in western Minnesota, where the combination of warmth and wind could allow outdoor fires to spread rapidly.
Blowing dust is another concern Saturday.
The NWS warns that agricultural harvesting activities could produce areas of blowing dust, especially where strong winds move across exposed fields.
Drivers traveling through rural areas should remain alert for sudden reductions in visibility.
Forecast wind gusts could approach 40 mph in some western communities, including areas near Madison, Alexandria, Redwood Falls and Willmar.
Across the Twin Cities metropolitan area, breezy conditions are also expected, with afternoon gusts generally reaching around 30 to 35 mph.
Record warmth is expected to continue Sunday, October 11.
Afternoon highs will range from 78 to 87 degrees, although winds should gradually weaken compared with Saturday.
Sunday morning lows are expected to range from 50 to 65 degrees.
A noticeable cooldown begins Monday, October 12, as afternoon temperatures fall into the 62 to 79 degree range.
Cloud cover will increase, with a chance of showers developing Monday afternoon and continuing into the early overnight period.
Monday night temperatures could fall between 44 and 53 degrees.
Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary outdoor burning, secure loose objects and exercise caution around dry vegetation.