Near-Critical Fire Weather Conditions Expected Across Twin Cities Region on Wednesday
Published: April 22, 2026.
TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA - Residents across the Twin Cities metro and much of east-central Minnesota are being urged to use extreme caution on Wednesday afternoon (today) as near-critical fire weather conditions develop, according to the National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen, MN.
A Special Weather Statement issued early Wednesday morning highlights a combination of warm temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds that could lead to rapidly spreading fires across the region.
Warm, Windy, and Dry Conditions Align
Afternoon high temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-70s to lower 80s across areas including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Blaine, Stillwater, Hastings, and Red Wing.
At the same time, relative humidity levels are forecast to drop to around 30 percent, or even lower in some areas, creating an increasingly dry environment. Southeasterly winds between 10-20 mph, with gusts reaching 25 to 30 mph, will further enhance the risk by allowing any fires that start to spread quickly.
Elevated Fire Danger Across the Region
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports that much of the Twin Cities metro is currently under high to very high fire danger:
High Fire Danger: Fires can start easily and spread quickly
Very High Fire Danger: Fires can start easily and spread very rapidly
Provided by the MnDNR: Fire Danger and Burning Restrictions
Why the Risk Is So High
Behind the scenes, a developing weather pattern is intensifying the threat. A warm front lifting north across the region, combined with strong southwesterly flow, is pulling in warmer air and enhancing wind speeds.
The latest guidance shows wind gusts of 30-35 mph in parts of Minnesota, with relative humidity falling into the 20–30% range, or even lower values, west of the Twin Cities metro, where Red Flag Warnings are in place. Additionally, vegetation and ground fuels are extremely dry.
Precautions Urged
Officials are strongly advising residents to:
Avoid outdoor burning if possible
Check local burning restrictions before starting any fire
Use caution with equipment or activities that could create sparks
Properly dispose of cigarettes and other flammable materials
Even small sparks, from grilling, towing chains, or yard equipment, can quickly ignite fires under these conditions.
For the latest information on fire restrictions and safety guidelines, residents can visit the Minnesota DNR’s fire danger and burning restrictions page.
Looking Ahead
While the most critical conditions are expected on Wednesday afternoon into early evening, the broader weather pattern suggests continued elevated fire risk across parts of Minnesota in the coming days.
Officials stress that heightened awareness and caution will be key to preventing wildfires during this stretch of warm, dry, and windy weather.
