Warm, Dry Weather Leading to Elevated Fire Weather Conditions

(KNSI) — Following a warm, dry October, our odd autumn weather will continue Wednesday.

Forecasters say central Minnesota will see the mid-70s for highs. The record high for November 2nd is 72, which is in danger of falling. The average highs this time of the year are in the mid to upper 40s.

The warm, dry conditions may make for one last blast of summer-like weather, but southerly winds gusting to between 30 and 40 miles an hour and relative humidity values dropping to between 30 and 40 percent will also result in elevated fire weather conditions Wednesday afternoon. The National Weather Service says any fires that start will have the potential to spread quickly and may be difficult to control. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has statewide burning restrictions in place. Central Minnesota fire danger is classified as very high.

November 6th, 2020, a fire near St. Joseph burned nearly 200 acres. The fire allegedly started in a brush pile that had been burned the day before but wasn’t completely extinguished. The winds caused the hot spots to reignite. The high temp that day tied the record of 75, and much like today, it was also windy and dry. No one was hurt, and no homes were lost or damaged in that fire.

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