Weather Service issues ‘red flag’ fire alert

WRIGHT, McLEOD, CARVER, MN — Strong winds and dry conditions prompted the National Weather Service to issue a fire alert for nearly the entire state, with the exception of about five counties in the extreme  north central region.  The detailed alert follows: Urgent – Fire Weather Message National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 615 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2009

, Red Flag Warning From Noon Until 7 PM CDT For Central And Southern Minnesota And West Central Wisconsin For Low Humidity, Strong Winds, And Dry Fuels,

.Dangerous Wildfire Conditions Prevailed Early This Evening Across Central And Southern Minnesota As Temperatures In The Middle 80s To Lower 90s Were Occurring Along With Southerly Winds Near 25 Mph And Relative Humidity Values Below 25 Percent. Conditions Were A Little Better Over West Central Wisconsin Where Wind Speeds Were Not As Great And Humidity Values Were Much Higher Due To Afternoon Cloudiness.

The Dangerous Wildfire Conditions Across Central And Southern Minnesota Will Slowly Diminish This Evening As Wind Speeds Drop And Relative Humidity Values Rise As Temperatures Decrease.

Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns- Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa- Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington- Yellow Medicine-Renville-Mcleod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota- Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Watonwan-Blue Earth- Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-Polk-Barron-Rusk- St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Eau Claire- 615 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2009

, Red Flag Warning Remains In Effect Until 7 PM CDT This Evening,

A Red Flag Warning Remains In Effect Until 7 PM CDT This Evening.

Dangerous Wildfire Conditions Prevailed Early This Evening Across Central And Southern Minnesota As Temperatures In The Middle 80s To Lower 90s Were Occurring Along With Southerly Winds Near 25 Mph And Relative Humidity Values Below 25 Percent. Conditions Were A Little Better Over West Central Wisconsin Where Wind Speeds Were Not As Great And Humidity Values Were Much Higher Due To Afternoon Cloudiness.

The Dangerous Wildfire Conditions Across Central And Southern Minnesota Will Slowly Diminish This Evening As Wind Speeds Drop And Relative Humidity Values Rise As Temperatures Decrease.

A Red Flag Warning Means That Critical Fire Weather Conditions Are Either Occurring Now, Or Will Shortly. A Combination Of Strong Winds, Low Relative Humidity, And Warm Temperatures Will Create Explosive Fire Growth Potential.