Tuesday’s red flag fire warning has been expanded and now includes half the state. St. Cloud State Meteorology Professor Bob Weisman is informing people that the red flag warning now includes Little Falls, St. Cloud, the Twin Cities and all of southern Minnesota.

The warning, which is the highest state of fire danger, is in effect from 12 p.m. Wednesday through 7 p.m. Thursday. The combination of near record high temperatures, stronger South winds, low humidity and the recent dryness create a high risk of wildfires.

People are the number one cause of wildfires and are being encouraged to be careful with any sparks and avoid campfires. More information on the red flag warning can be found here.