Minneapolis woke up to clear skies and a cool breeze on Friday, May 15, 2026, with the thermometer near 62°F at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport early this morning. The calm start will not last long. Temperatures are set to jump quickly into the upper 80s by midafternoon, and strengthening winds will ramp up fire danger across central Minnesota.
Afternoon Heat and Fire Risk
By midafternoon, expect full sun and a high near 88°F, with southwest winds of 5 to 15 mph and gusts that could reach 25 to 30 mph. Relative humidity is forecast to dip into the low 20s, which dries out grasses and brush and creates critical fire weather. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of central Minnesota from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026. That is your cue to skip portable grills, debris burning, and spark-generating yardwork while the warning is in effect.
What This Means For You
With heat, low humidity, and gusty winds teaming up, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged and even small brush piles can spread faster than you expect. The Minnesota DNR continues to enforce elevated burning restrictions and is not issuing open burning permits in many locations, so check local rules before you light anything. If you are hosting an outdoor gathering, plan for blustery conditions by tying down canopies and securing any light or wobbly setups that might try to tumble down the block.
Weekend Storms and Timing
The weather script flips over the weekend. Showers and thunderstorms are likely on Sunday, May 17, 2026, with a high near 78°F and an east-southeast wind around 15 mph that could gust up to 35 mph. The strongest storms Sunday evening into the overnight hours could drop roughly one half to three quarters of an inch of rain in some spots, and damaging wind gusts are the main severe threat, according to the National Weather Service. If you have outdoor plans, you may want to shift them earlier in the day or have an indoor backup ready for Sunday night.
Plan Ahead
Today is a smart day to put off any nonessential burning and to secure loose items around your yard or balcony. Check official forecasts and local guidance before heading outside, keep water and basic tools handy if you work outdoors, and monitor evening updates in case the Red Flag Warning details or the timing of Sunday storms change.
