Hot, dry weather creates serious risk of fire in southwest Minnesota

Strong winds and drought-like conditions in parts of the state could cause fires to quickly grow out of control, the Weather Service is warning.
Author:
Updated:
Original:

Hot air, dry vegetation and strong winds are creating perfect conditions for dangerous fires in southwest Minnesota. The National Weather Service has issued what it calls a 'red flag warning' -- its most serious fire warning -- in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday.

KARE 11 reports a farm in Carver County caught fire early this afternoon. Fortunately Firefighters were able to extinguish it before it got out of control. Sparks from a combine may have lit the blaze.

The Weather Service says temperatures will likely stay about 20 degrees above normal over the next few days, and dangerous fire conditions could continue into Thursday.

Next Up

police tape, crime scene
MN News

Man fatally shot in north Minneapolis early Thanksgiving morning

A man in his 20s was fatally shot.

Screen Shot 2020-11-25 at 7.34.43 AM
MN Weird

Watch: Drunk squirrel in Minnesota captures the world's attention

The squirrel was immediately cut off after nearly tipping over.

Screen Shot 2020-11-25 at 7.15.09 PM
MN Coronavirus

Small town gym refusing to close facing lawsuit from attorney general

The gym is facing a lawsuit and a temporary restraining order to halt their operations.

credit card, payment
Minnesota Life

Money Gal Coaching: Bouncing back after living your best life

Kelly Blodgett started Money Gal Coaching after paying down nearly $50K in debt in 18 months.

flickr-mall-of-america-mitchell-hirsch-march-2019
MN Shopping

When do stores open on Black Friday this year?

Many major retailers will be open Black Friday, some for extended hours.

Vaughn Coklas
MN News

Man, 19, charged with fatal shooting in Cub Foods parking lot

Staveonte El Brown died in the shooting.

police tape, crime scene
MN News

Man found dead outside home near Cass Lake

The man was reportedly shot outside the property.

Minnesota_Welcome_Sign_-_Minnesota_Welcomes_You_-_Taylors_Falls_(28269804891)
Travel

Gov. Walz announces $1M in grants to boost Minnesota tourism

The money will be used for marketing efforts to attract people to Minnesota's hard-hit tourist spots.

coronavirus, ICU
MN Coronavirus

Nov. 25 COVID-19 update: 72 deaths ties Minnesota's single-day high

A COVID-19 update will not be provided on Thanksgiving Day.

Texa-Tonka
MN Food & Drink

Revival to open its fourth Twin Cities location

The fried chicken and smoked meat maestros are moving to St. Louis Park.

Duluth and Case Recreation Center
MN News

St. Paul to open two extra temporary shelters for homeless people

Mayor Melvin Carter announced the new shelters will be opened in the event of excess demand.

Thanksgiving
MN Coronavirus

Health experts: Even after negative test, gathering for Thanksgiving is risky

A false negative test could be costly, experts warn.

Related

MN News

Minnesota's fall colors threatened by hot, dry weather

Thanks to the hot, dry weather this summer in Minnesota, hopes for a vibrant fall colors are fading away. In addition to lawns and crops, the weather conditions could impact trees and plants of all species, causing some of them to change color early.

MN News

Moderate risk of severe weather in Minnesota

The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and damaging winds are expected to develop Sunday afternoon in southwest Minnesota and move northeast. The Storm Prediction Center has put parts of east central Minnesota under a moderate risk for severe storms.

MN News

Fire danger prompts highest warning from Weather Service

A red flag warning is in effect for most of central and southern Minnesota through Tuesday. The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, strong winds, and high temperatures makes wildfires more likely and means they will spread quickly where they do occur.

MN News

Weather Service warns of fire and frost

The National Weather Service says very dry and windy weather will create elevated to critical fire weather conditions across parts of Minnesota. The southern two-thirds of the state is under the most serious wildfire warning. Separately, frost is possible across much of the state Monday night.

MN News

High to extreme fire danger continues for parts of Minnesota

Low humidity and high winds are prompting the Department of Natural Resources to elevate the fire danger through the Easter weekend. The National Weather Service has also issued a red flag warning for the western portion of the state because of dangerous fire weather conditions.

MN News

Fire warning in effect for Twin Cities, southern and central Minnesota

Forecasters say gusty winds and hot, dry weather could spark dangerous and fast-moving fires.

MN News

DNR bans open burning across Minnesota because of wildfire risk

Lack of rain, unusually warm temperatures and strong winds have raised the risk of dangerous, out-of-control fires.

MN News

Blow-dry bars get hot in Minnesota

Blow-dry bars, a salon service already popular on the coasts, are making their way to Minnesota. Four will pop up in the metro in the next few weeks, providing affordable options for a luxury once reserved for Hollywood's elite -- immaculately styled hair on a regular basis.