Duluth, Minnesota – Fire danger will spike across northern Minnesota by late morning today, with dry air and gusty winds creating conditions where any spark could spread rapidly through vegetation.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, near-critical fire weather conditions are expected from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. Friday, especially from the Brainerd Lakes region north to the Canadian border. Relative humidity values will drop low enough to dry out fuels, while northwest winds around 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph will accelerate fire spread.
Communities including Brainerd, Grand Rapids, International Falls, and Hibbing face the highest risk during peak afternoon hours. Outdoor burning, equipment use, and even discarded cigarettes could ignite fires that move quickly across dry grass and forest areas. Smoke from any fires could also reduce visibility along highways such as U.S. 2 and Highway 169.
Temperatures will remain cooler today, generally in the 50s to low 60s, before warming into the 60s this weekend. Duluth and areas near Lake Superior will stay slightly cooler, with onshore winds limiting temperature increases.
Avoid all outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and keep water sources nearby if working outdoors. Fire conditions will ease after sunset, but additional updates are expected if conditions worsen or advisories expand.
