Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Critical fire danger and summerlike warmth for midweek

Storm chances return Thursday

Red flag warning
Red flag warning
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, via Pivotal Weather

A red flag warning is in effect across parts of Minnesota Monday night as critical fire weather conditions continue, with an unseasonably warm stretch peaking midweek before storm chances return Thursday.

Critical fire weather Monday night

A combination of dry air, warm temperatures and gusty winds is creating critical fire weather conditions across much of Minnesota. A red flag warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. for the highlighted areas below.

Red flag warning
Red flag warning
NOAA, via Pivotal Weather

Southerly winds will gradually weaken Monday evening, dropping to 5 to 15 mph after sunset.

Wind speed and direction Monday 5 p.m. to Tuesday 7 a.m.
Wind speed and direction Monday 5 p.m. to Tuesday 7 a.m.
NOAA, via College of DuPage weather lab

Overnight temperatures will fall into the low 30s across northern Minnesota, with milder low 40s to the south.

Lows for Monday night
Lows for Monday night
National Weather Service

Tuesday will remain dry with low humidity, but lighter winds should help limit fire danger. By Wednesday, though, winds pick up again as a low-pressure system develops over the western Plains, increasing fire concerns.

A summerlike warming trend builds into Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs in the 70s Tuesday and 80s returning Wednesday — the warmest day of the week.

Highs for Tuesday
Highs for Tuesday
National Weather Service

Relief from the dry stretch may arrive Thursday as a cold front sweeps through the region, bringing showers and thunderstorms, especially across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Forecast precipitation Thursday 7 a.m. to Friday 7 a.m.
Forecast precipitation Thursday 7 a.m. to Friday 7 a.m.
NOAA, via Pivotal Weather

There is still some uncertainty regarding the exact timing and placement of storms, but current model data suggest the best chance for rainfall will come later Thursday into Thursday night.

A few storms could become strong to severe, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center outlining a slight risk clipping southern Minnesota.

Severe weather threat for Thursday
Severe weather threat for Thursday
NOAA Storm Prediction Center

Behind the cold front Thursday, cooler and more seasonable conditions are expected to move in. Highs will drop back into the 50s by Friday and continue through the weekend as high pressure builds over the region.