Wind, fire danger and brief shower Thursday in Minnesota
A weak boundary will increase clouds and wind on Thursday afternoon in the Twin Cities.
Gusts will reach up to 35 mph in the metro and 45 mph for western Minnesota, leading to an elevated brushfire threat.
A narrow window for a quick shower or storm exists, too, between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the metro.
Warmth is the other big story Thursday with highs approaching 80 degrees.
Temps climb into the upper 80s Friday with more gusty winds and plenty of sunshine.
Saturday looks great with sunshine, less wind and highs near 80.
Things turn active starting Sunday with a stronger storm system. Expect scattered showers and possible strong and severe storms Sunday and Monday. Even non-storm winds will be strong with gusts up to 35 mph.
The added clouds knock highs back into the 70s both weekend days.
Things look to dry up Tuesday, but cool down with highs in the 60s.
Red flag warning issued in western Minnesota
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for dozens of counties in northwest, west central and southwest Minnesota due to the threat of fire weather, with areas of blowing dust.
Affected counties include Becker, Big Stone, Brown, Chippewa, Clay, Clearwater, Cottonwood, Douglas, Grant, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Roseau, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Watonwan, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says residents should not burn anything in counties where the warning is in effect, and the department will not issue or activate open burning permits while the warning is active.
"Embers can be carried for over a mile in high winds like this. People should use extreme caution until conditions improve," said Karen Harrison, a DNR wildfire prevention specialist.
Fire conditions continue on Friday, as a Fire Weather Watch has been issued for most of central and northern Minnesota due to strong winds and low relative humidity.