Alert archive / North Dakota / Red Flag Warnings in 2021

Red Flag Warning 15, NWS Bismarck, ND

May 6, 202118 counties in North Dakota

NWS Bismarck, ND issued this red flag warning at May 6, 2021, 3:07 AM CDT for 18 counties in North Dakota. It took effect at May 6, 2021, 11:00 AM CDT. It was in force for 11 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 6, 2021, 3:07 AM CDT (08:07 UTC)
In effect from
May 6, 2021, 11:00 AM CDT
Expired
May 6, 2021, 10:00 PM CDT
In force
11 hr
Issued by
NWS Bismarck, ND

Counties Bottineau County, ND, Burleigh County, ND, Dickey County, ND, Emmons County, ND, Foster County, ND, Kidder County, ND, LaMoure County, ND, Logan County, ND, McHenry County, ND, McIntosh County, ND, McLean County, ND, Pierce County, ND, Renville County, ND, Rolette County, ND, Sheridan County, ND, Stutsman County, ND, Ward County, ND, Wells County, ND

The radar

The Bismarck radar (KBIS), 92 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 08:11 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Bismarck Municip, ND (KBIS), launched 00:00Z, 8.1 hours before the alert went out and 89 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Bismarck Municip, ND at 00:00Z on 2021-05-06Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Bismarck Municip, ND at 00:00Z on 2021-05-06The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 95 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1481 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
46 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
95 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
162 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
-0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

121 
WWUS83 KBIS 060807
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
307 AM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

.Critical fire weather conditions are expected from late this 
morning through early this evening across most of central North 
Dakota. By the afternoon hours expect a mostly sunny to partly 
cloudy sky with highs in the 60s and humidity values as low as 15 
percent. Additionally, northwest winds will increase, with sustained
values up to 25 mph and gusts to 40 mph. Winds will be strongest 
east and diminish towards the western edge of the warning. These 
factors, combined with dry vegetation will lead to critical fire 
weather conditions.

NDZ019-020-034-042-045-060915-
/O.CAN.KBIS.FW.A.0009.210506T1600Z-210507T0100Z/
Mercer-Oliver-Morton-Grant-Sioux-
307 AM CDT Thu May 6 2021 /207 AM MDT Thu May 6 2021/

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS CANCELLED FOR PARTS OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL
NORTH DAKOTA...

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has cancelled the Fire
Weather Watch for counties west of the Missouri River. While
minimum relative humidity will be around 20 percent, winds will 
be under 20 mph.

$$

NDZ003>005-011>013-021>023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-062015-
/O.UPG.KBIS.FW.A.0009.210506T1600Z-210507T0100Z/
/O.NEW.KBIS.FW.W.0015.210506T1600Z-210507T0100Z/
Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Ward-McHenry-Pierce-McLean-Sheridan-
Wells-Foster-Burleigh-Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-
McIntosh-Dickey-
307 AM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM CDT
THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MOST OF 
CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
from 11 AM this morning to 8 PM CDT this evening. The Fire
Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning.

* WINDS...Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Most of central North Dakota

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Burn bans may be in effect. Contact local authorities for
details.

&&

$$

MJ
7 follow-up statements
611 
WWUS83 KBIS 061112
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
612 AM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

.Critical fire weather conditions are expected from late this
morning through early this evening across most of central North
Dakota. By the afternoon hours expect a mostly sunny to partly
cloudy sky with highs in the 60s and humidity values as low as
15 percent. Additionally, northwest winds will increase, with
sustained values up to 25 mph and gusts to 40 mph. Winds will be
strongest east and diminish towards the western edge of the
warning. These factors, combined with dry vegetation will lead to
critical fire weather conditions.

NDZ003>005-011>013-021>023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-062315-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0015.210506T1600Z-210507T0100Z/
Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Ward-McHenry-Pierce-McLean-Sheridan-
Wells-Foster-Burleigh-Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-
McIntosh-Dickey-
612 AM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MOST
OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

* WINDS...Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Most of central North Dakota

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Burn bans may be in effect. Contact local authorities for
details.

&&

$$

MJ
055 
WWUS83 KBIS 061458
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
958 AM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

.Critical fire weather conditions are expected from late this
morning through early this evening across most of central North
Dakota. By the afternoon hours expect a mostly sunny to partly
cloudy sky with highs in the 60s and humidity values as low as
15 percent. Additionally, northwest winds will increase, with
sustained values up to 25 mph and gusts to 40 mph. Winds will be
strongest east and diminish towards the western edge of the
warning. These factors, combined with dry vegetation will lead to
critical fire weather conditions.

NDZ003>005-011>013-021>023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-070100-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0015.210506T1600Z-210507T0100Z/
Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Ward-McHenry-Pierce-McLean-Sheridan-
Wells-Foster-Burleigh-Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-
McIntosh-Dickey-
958 AM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING
FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH
DAKOTA...

* WINDS...Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Most of central North Dakota

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Burn bans may be in effect. Contact local authorities for
details.

&&

$$

ZH
264 
WWUS83 KBIS 061751
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
1251 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

.Critical fire weather conditions are expected from late this
morning through early this evening across most of central North
Dakota. By the afternoon hours expect a mostly sunny to partly
cloudy sky with highs in the 60s and humidity values as low as
12 percent. Additionally, northwest winds will increase, with 
sustained values up to 25 mph and gusts to 40 mph. Winds will be 
strongest east and diminish towards the western edge of the 
warning. These factors, combined with dry vegetation will lead to 
critical fire weather conditions.

NDZ003>005-011>013-021>023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-070100-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0015.000000T0000Z-210507T0100Z/
Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Ward-McHenry-Pierce-McLean-Sheridan-
Wells-Foster-Burleigh-Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-
McIntosh-Dickey-
1251 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING
FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH
DAKOTA...

* WINDS...Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Most of central North Dakota

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Burn bans may be in effect. Contact local authorities for
details.

&&

$$

ZH
421 
WWUS83 KBIS 061829
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
129 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH FRIDAY FOR NORTHWEST NORTH DAKOTA...

.Critical fire weather conditions are expected from late this
morning through early this evening across most of central North
Dakota. By the afternoon hours expect a mostly sunny to partly
cloudy sky with highs in the 60s and humidity values as low as
12 percent. Additionally, northwest winds will increase, with
sustained values up to 25 mph and gusts to 40 mph. Winds will be
strongest east and diminish towards the western edge of the
warning. These factors, combined with dry vegetation will lead to
critical fire weather conditions.

Critical fire weather conditions will once again be possible 
Friday, this time across the northwest. Expect highs in the lower
60s here with afternoon humidity values dropping into the 15 to 
20 percent range. Winds will be out of the southeast up to 25 mph
and gusts to 35 mph. Therefore, we have issued a Fire Weather 
Watch for the northwest.

NDZ003>005-011>013-021>023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-070100-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0015.000000T0000Z-210507T0100Z/
Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Ward-McHenry-Pierce-McLean-Sheridan-
Wells-Foster-Burleigh-Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-
McIntosh-Dickey-
129 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING
FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH
DAKOTA...

* WINDS...Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Most of central North Dakota

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Burn bans may be in effect. Contact local authorities for
details.

&&

$$

NDZ001-002-009-010-017-018-070630-
/O.NEW.KBIS.FW.A.0010.210507T1800Z-210508T0200Z/
Divide-Burke-Williams-Mountrail-McKenzie-Dunn-
129 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021 /1229 PM MDT Thu May 6 2021/

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR NORTHWEST
NORTH DAKOTA...

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has issued a Fire
Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening.

* WINDS...Southeast 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 17 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Northwest North Dakota. 

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

ZH
844 
WWUS83 KBIS 061916
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
216 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH FRIDAY FOR NORTHWEST NORTH DAKOTA...

.Critical fire weather conditions will continue through early this
evening across most of central North Dakota. A Red Flag Warning is
in effect here. Expect a mostly sunny to partly cloudy sky with 
highs in the 60s and humidity values as low as 12 percent. 
Additionally, sustained winds up to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph 
are likely. Winds will be strongest east and diminish towards the 
western edge of the warning.

Critical fire weather conditions will once again be possible 
Friday, this time across the northwest. Expect highs in the lower
60s here with afternoon humidity values dropping into the 15 to 
20 percent range. Winds will be out of the southeast up to 25 mph
and gusts to 35 mph. Therefore, we have issued a Fire Weather 
Watch for the northwest.

NDZ003>005-011>013-021>023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-070100-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.W.0015.000000T0000Z-210507T0100Z/
Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Ward-McHenry-Pierce-McLean-Sheridan-
Wells-Foster-Burleigh-Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-
McIntosh-Dickey-
216 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING
FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH
DAKOTA...

* WINDS...Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 12 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Most of central North Dakota

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Burn bans may be in effect. Contact local authorities for
details.

&&

$$

NDZ001-002-009-010-017-018-070730-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.A.0010.210507T1800Z-210508T0200Z/
Divide-Burke-Williams-Mountrail-McKenzie-Dunn-
216 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021 /116 PM MDT Thu May 6 2021/

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
NORTHWEST NORTH DAKOTA...

* WINDS...Southeast 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 17 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Northwest North Dakota.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

ZH
710 
WWUS83 KBIS 070049
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
749 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING EXTENDED THROUGH THIS EVENING FOR MOST OF 
CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH FRIDAY FOR NORTHWEST NORTH DAKOTA...

.Critical fire weather conditions will linger through the evening
across most of central North Dakota. A Red Flag Warning remains 
in effect here. Expect mostly clear skies, with humidity values 
as low as 15 percent, and northerly winds 15 to 25 mph becoming 
east northeast at 10 to 20 mph through the evening hours. Then
look for improving conditions tonight.

Critical fire weather conditions will once again be possible
Friday, this time across the northwest. Expect highs in the lower
60s here with afternoon humidity values dropping into the 15 to
20 percent range. Winds will be out of the southeast up to 25 mph
and gusts to 35 mph. Therefore, we have issued a Fire Weather
Watch for the northwest.

NDZ003>005-011>013-021>023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-070300-
/O.EXT.KBIS.FW.W.0015.000000T0000Z-210507T0300Z/
Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Ward-McHenry-Pierce-McLean-Sheridan-
Wells-Foster-Burleigh-Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-
McIntosh-Dickey-
749 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING
FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH
DAKOTA...

* WINDS...North 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, becoming
  east northeast at 10 to 20 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Most of central North Dakota

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Burn bans may be in effect. Contact local authorities for
details.

&&

$$

NDZ001-002-009-010-017-018-070300-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.A.0010.210507T1800Z-210508T0200Z/
Divide-Burke-Williams-Mountrail-McKenzie-Dunn-
749 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021 /649 PM MDT Thu May 6 2021/

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
NORTHWEST NORTH DAKOTA...

* WINDS...Southeast 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Northwest North Dakota.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$
939 
WWUS83 KBIS 070252
RFWBIS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Bismarck ND
952 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH FRIDAY FOR NORTHWEST NORTH DAKOTA...

Critical fire weather conditions will once again be possible 
Friday, this time across the northwest. Expect highs in the lower 
60s here with afternoon humidity values dropping into the 15 to 20
percent range. Winds will be out of the southeast up to 25 mph 
and gusts to 35 mph. Therefore, we have issued a Fire Weather 
Watch for the northwest.

NDZ003>005-011>013-021>023-025-035>037-046>048-050-051-070400-
/O.EXP.KBIS.FW.W.0015.000000T0000Z-210507T0300Z/
Renville-Bottineau-Rolette-Ward-McHenry-Pierce-McLean-Sheridan-
Wells-Foster-Burleigh-Kidder-Stutsman-Emmons-Logan-La Moure-
McIntosh-Dickey-
952 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR
WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MOST OF CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA...

Although humidity values currently remain low for some areas,
lessing winds and an overall improving humidity trend are expected
for the rest of the night. Thus the Red Flag Warning will expire
at 10 PM CDT. Low humidity values will be found again on Friday
across central North Dakota, while a light breeze from the east is
also found. 

$$

NDZ001-002-009-010-017-018-071500-
/O.CON.KBIS.FW.A.0010.210507T1800Z-210508T0200Z/
Divide-Burke-Williams-Mountrail-McKenzie-Dunn-
952 PM CDT Thu May 6 2021 /852 PM MDT Thu May 6 2021/

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
NORTHWEST NORTH DAKOTA...

* WINDS...Southeast 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Northwest North Dakota.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become 
  difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Bismarck, ND issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 6, 1:29 PM CDTFire Weather WatchBISBurke, Divide, Dunn, McKenzie, Mountrail, Williams14 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in North Dakota, 2021Every red flag warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.