The heat is on: Very warm temps, fire weather watch this weekend
Record-breaking temperatures possible on Sunday
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Unseasonably warm temperatures are forecast across the region this weekend with highs climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s. The combination of dry conditions, low humidity and gusty winds has prompted a fire weather watch.
Cold front passing through
A cold front will move through the forecast area quietly late Friday afternoon into the evening. It’s easily visible on satellite imagery with wildfire smoke trailing behind it.
Dry air in the lower layers of the atmosphere will prevent rain from reaching the ground, although a few fortunate areas may experience light showers as the front passes. The most noticeable change will be a shift in winds to the north following the front’s passage.
Temperatures really start to heat up starting Friday and continue to warm until early next week.
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Records and fire danger for Mother’s Day
Warm and sunny weather is expected to create ideal conditions for Mother’s Day celebrations on Sunday as temperatures approach record highs. However, the near-summer heat combined with dry and breezy conditions also brings a heightened risk of fire danger.
A fire weather watch is in effect for almost the entire state on Sunday:
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR WESTERN, CENTRAL, AND SOUTHERN MINNESOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...Western Minnesota, Central Minnesota, and South Central Minnesota. * WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
The current statewide fire danger map shows high to very high fire danger levels:
Low relative humidity percentages will hover in the teens and low 20s throughout the weekend, further contributing to the elevated fire danger.
These dry conditions, combined with warm temperatures and breezy winds, create an environment where fires can ignite and spread quickly.
Record setting high temperatures are possible on Sunday for the Twin Cities, and St. Cloud. Minneapolis-St. Paul’s record high is 88 from 1900, and St. Cloud is 90 from 1911.
Forecast temperatures for Sunday show upper 80s to low 90s across the state.
With May starting off on such a warm note, it looks like summer is arriving early this year.