Record Warmth, High Winds, Prompt Red Flag Warning for Monday Afternoon

(KNSI) — The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for several counties in central and west central Minnesota as we deal with record warmth and gusty west winds.

Forecasters say the area is expected to get into the low 70s today, blowing past the old record high of 61 set in 2015. Dewpoints will crash, dropping into the 20s, dragging relative humidity levels to between 15 and 25% by late afternoon. Meanwhile, winds will intensify, reaching 15 to 25 miles an hour with gusts around 35 miles an hour possible. This will create an environment ripe for rapid fire spread.

The red flag warning is in effect from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Looking ahead, a powerful storm system will develop over the Plains, and push through the Upper Midwest Friday and Saturday. Thunderstorms may pop ahead of a cold front late Friday night. Some of those may be severe, especially toward the southern part of the state.

Behind that system, rain will turn to snow with some accumulations possible.

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