Minnesota Faces Fire Danger Today

Southern Minnesota is bracing for high fire danger today, thanks to strong southwest winds and low humidity. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the region. Winds can hit up to 35 miles per hour, making it harder to control any fires that start. Humidity is also expected to drop below 35 percent, creating ideal conditions for wildfires. The area south of the Minnesota River is particularly at risk. Wind gusts could reach over 30 miles per hour, and humidity might fall into the low 20s. This combination makes it difficult to stop fires from spreading quickly. It's crucial to follow fire safety rules during this time. Avoid outdoor burning, be careful with cigarettes, and keep vehicles off dry grass. Power equipment that produces sparks or open flames can also start fires. So, use them cautiously and obey any burn bans in place. If a fire does break out, it could spread rapidly due to the windy conditions. So, being prepared is vital. The good news? Cooler weather and calmer winds are expected after today's cold front passes through.