Grand Forks, N.D. – Critical fire weather will grip North Dakota and parts of Minnesota through early next week, as gusty winds and bone-dry conditions heighten wildfire risks across the region. A red flag warning remains in effect Sunday, with wind gusts reaching 50 mph and temperatures soaring into the 90s.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, relative humidity values will plummet into the teens, creating prime conditions for rapid wildfire growth. The warning covers all of North Dakota and stretches into west-central and northwest Minnesota, including Fargo, Grand Forks, and Detroit Lakes.
Residents are urged to avoid all outdoor burning and use extreme caution with equipment that could spark fires. High winds and dry vegetation make even small flames potentially catastrophic. South winds are expected to sustain speeds of 25 to 35 mph, complicating firefighting efforts and threatening to spread fires quickly across open fields and grasslands.
Fire danger remains high into Monday and Tuesday, with a Fire Weather Watch already in place. Stay tuned for further updates and consider postponing outdoor activities that involve heat or sparks. Additional advisories could follow as dangerous conditions persist.
