Elevated Fire Weather Conditions Across Twin Cities, Greater Minnesota Today
Published: April 16, 2026.
TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA - Officials are urging caution across Minnesota today as a combination of warm temperatures, low humidity, and increasing winds creates elevated-to-near-critical fire weather conditions, particularly across the Twin Cities metro and western portions of the state.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR), a “High” fire danger rating is currently in place across the Twin Cities region. This designation means that fires can start easily and spread rapidly, even from small sparks.
Conditions Driving the Fire Risk
Several key factors are aligning to create hazardous conditions, including temperatures that are expected to climb into the upper 70s to low 80s this afternoon, relative humidity will drop significantly, reaching 15% to 25% in some areas, and south winds will increase to 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, especially in western Minnesota where Red Flag Warnings are currently in place, which we cover more below.
Across the Twin Cities, a Special Weather Statement is in effect due to elevated fire risk this afternoon.
This combination of warm, dry air and gusty winds significantly increases the likelihood that fires will ignite and spread quickly.
Red Flag Warning Issued in Western Minnesota
Due to more extreme conditions, parts of west-central and southwest Minnesota have been upgraded from a Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning, indicating critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or imminent.
While the Twin Cities metro is not currently under a Red Flag Warning, officials stress that the High fire danger level still presents serious risks.
What “High” Fire Danger Means
Again, under a High fire danger rating:
Fires can ignite quickly from common sources such as campfires, equipment, or discarded cigarettes.
Flames can spread rapidly across grass and brush.
Control of fires may become difficult without immediate response.
Provided by the MnDNR: Fire Danger and Burning Restrictions
Safety Reminders and Burning Restrictions
Officials are strongly advising residents to:
Avoid any outdoor burning if possible
Check local restrictions through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before burning
Properly dispose of smoking materials
Use caution with equipment that may produce sparks
Burning restrictions and fire danger maps are updated regularly by the DNR and should be checked before any outdoor activity that could pose a fire risk. You can find that site here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.
Looking Ahead
Fire risk will remain a concern throughout the day as winds continue to increase and humidity further drops. Conditions may begin to improve later tonight as temperatures cool and winds decrease, but officials emphasize that today poses a heightened risk window for fire starts and rapid spread.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert and take precautions to help prevent wildfires during this period of elevated fire danger.
