CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ACROSS PORTIONS OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA THIS AFTERNOON. .A cold front approaching western Minnesota late this morning will result in gust southwest winds becoming northwest and significantly lowering dewpoints. Minimum humidity values could reach the teens in spots, with low to mid 20s across a large portion of western to central Minnesota. Meanwhile, highs will reach the upper 70s to near 80. Winds will increase out of the northwest behind the front with gusts of 25-35 mph possible, mainly during the late afternoon to evening in western Minnesota. Winds are generally expected to be weaker east of a line stretching from St. Cloud to Mankato due to the timing of the front, with a later arrival time allowing for a gap between the lowest humidity and strongest winds arriving after sunset. The Red Flag Warning covers the area most likely to have ideal timing of the frontal passage, allowing for the strongest winds to sync up with the lowest humidity. * WIND. South shifting northwest 15-20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * HUMIDITY. 15 TO 25 percent. * IMPACTS. any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Humidity values will drop into the 20s to lower 30s across much of Minnesota this afternoon creating near critical fire weather conditions. South winds will shift to northwest and increase to 10-20 mph with gusts to 25-30 mph. Check burning restrictions and fire danger before burning. For more information on burning restrictions for Minnesota, see www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.