North Dakota residents should prepare for near-critical fire weather conditions today and Thursday as temperatures climb into the 80s. The National Weather Service warns of heightened fire risks due to dry conditions and above-average temperatures, urging residents to exercise caution with activities that could spark fires.
According to the National Weather Service Grand Forks, temperatures will reach highs between 70 and 83 degrees on Wednesday, followed by an even warmer Thursday with highs from 77 to 87 degrees. This unseasonably warm weather will keep fire risks elevated until a cold front arrives late Thursday night. This weather shift will significantly drop temperatures by Friday, bringing highs into the 50s and lows into the upper 30s.
Local authorities emphasize the importance of fire prevention during this period, recommending that residents avoid outdoor burning and properly extinguish cigarettes. Wind speeds are expected to contribute to the fire risk, with gusts reaching up to 21 mph, making it easier for any fire to spread rapidly.
The upcoming cold front will bring relief by Friday, as cooler temperatures and cloudy skies settle over the region. By the weekend, temperatures will further decline, with Saturday’s high anticipated to be around 60 degrees, along with a 50 percent chance of showers, potentially easing the dry conditions. Sunday will bring even cooler weather, with highs only reaching into the low 50s.
