Minneapolis residents are facing a significant shift in weather conditions this weekend, as the National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN reported. A cold front moving across the region today will bring not just a change in wind direction from south-southwest to west-northwest, but also a spike in fire weather concerns due to a combination of high wind gusts and low humidity levels. The changing conditions mark a departure from the current cloud-building, with highs nearing 79 degrees and winds gusting as high as 30 mph.
Specifically, the forecast for Minneapolis, detailed in a weather report, indicates a gradual clearing up of the skies as the night approaches with temperatures dropping to around 49 degrees, accompanied by sustained winds that could reach speeds of 15 mph. These winds, dusting across the streets of Minneapolis, are expected to continue into Sunday, bringing sunny skies but also maintaining the breezy condition with gusts possibly hitting the 30 mph mark once more.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook issued early this morning emphasizes the fire-related risks brought about by the cold front's passage. A Red Flag Warning is already in effect across west central Minnesota due to conditions ripe for fires. Authorities urge residents to stay abreast of fire danger and consult local restrictions before engaging in any activities that could potentially ignite a fire, with the Department of Natural Resources providing guidelines on burning restrictions throughout Minnesota.
The fire danger is not confined to the immediate aftermath of the front's passage, as elevated fire weather conditions are also projected for Sunday, according to the aforementioned Hazardous Weather Outlook. Winds from the northwest are expected to gust up to 30 mph, and with afternoon humidity values anticipated to fall between 25 and 35 percent, the risk of fires continues to loom over the head of central to southern areas of Minnesota. For those making plans for the upcoming week, the weather is expected to stay sunny, with temperatures climbing gradually into the low 80s by Friday, with relatively calmer winds than those shaking the trees after today's frontal passage.