Grand Forks, North Dakota – Gusty winds and bone-dry air have pushed eastern North Dakota and far northwest Minnesota into critical fire danger territory today, prompting a Red Flag Warning through 9 p.m. Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, southerly winds combined with relative humidity values between 20 and 25 percent are driving near-critical to critical fire weather conditions. The warning affects counties from Grand Forks and Pembina in North Dakota to parts of Polk County, Minnesota.
Daytime highs are expected to reach between 76 and 81 degrees, with clear skies and overnight lows dipping to the upper 40s. The dry air mass and gusty winds increase the risk of rapid fire spread, particularly in grassy or brush-heavy areas.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and use extreme caution with grills, machinery, and any open flames. Fire crews across the region are on alert as conditions may resemble past spring fire outbreaks, including the May 2021 burn in Pembina County.
The Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. tonight. Additional alerts may follow if winds persist or humidity continues to drop.
