A combination of strong west winds, warm temperatures and dry soil adds up to a heightened risk of extreme fire danger this week.

 

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, the highest category of fire danger, along and to the North of a Redwood Falls-St. Cloud-Mora line from 1 p.m. this afternoon to 8 p.m. Monday evening.

 

St. Cloud State University Meteorologist Bob Weisman says West Northwest winds at 20-30 MPH with gusts over 40 MPH will combine with temperatures in the lower 60’s to produce a relative humidity of 10-15 percent.

 

Weisman adds conditions this week will continue to be warm and dry, making additional “red flag” days likely.