Wind, dry conditions increase fire spread risk in parts of Minnesota

Gusting winds and dry conditions Tuesday are increasing the risk of fires being able to ignite and spread quickly.

Chief Morning Meteorologist Ken Barlow said gusting winds up to 30 mph are likely Wednesday and a high of 74 degrees is expected.

According to the National Weather Service, those gusting winds in much of central and southern Minnesota Tuesday, plus decreasing humidity levels, "will support rapid spread of any fires that develop."

The NWS went on to state, "Please refrain from burning and heed directions from local fire officials."

Read the full alert here.

The National Weather Service has issued a "red flag warning" until 7 p.m. Tuesday for Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, Traverse, Watonwan, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine counties.

View a map of current fire danger from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources here.