Alert archive / Minnesota / Red Flag Warnings in 2025

Red Flag Warning 3, NWS Twin Cities, MN

May 11, 202542 counties in Minnesota; 6 counties in Wisconsin

NWS Twin Cities, MN issued this red flag warning at May 11, 2025, 10:11 PM CDT for 42 counties in Minnesota; 6 counties in Wisconsin. It took effect at May 12, 2025, 12:00 PM CDT. It was in force for 9 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 11, 2025, 10:11 PM CDT (03:11 UTC)
In effect from
May 12, 2025, 12:00 PM CDT
Expired
May 12, 2025, 9:00 PM CDT
In force
9 hr
Issued by
NWS Twin Cities, MN
All 48 counties

Anoka County, MN, Benton County, MN, Blue Earth County, MN, Brown County, MN, Carver County, MN, Chippewa County, MN, Chisago County, MN, Dakota County, MN, Douglas County, MN, Faribault County, MN, Freeborn County, MN, Goodhue County, MN, Hennepin County, MN, Isanti County, MN, Kanabec County, MN, Kandiyohi County, MN, Lac qui Parle County, MN, Le Sueur County, MN, Martin County, MN, McLeod County, MN, Meeker County, MN, Mille Lacs County, MN, Morrison County, MN, Nicollet County, MN, Pope County, MN, Ramsey County, MN, Redwood County, MN, Renville County, MN, Rice County, MN, Scott County, MN, Sherburne County, MN, Sibley County, MN, Stearns County, MN, Steele County, MN, Stevens County, MN, Swift County, MN, Todd County, MN, Waseca County, MN, Washington County, MN, Watonwan County, MN, Wright County, MN, Yellow Medicine County, MN, Barron County, WI, Dunn County, WI, Pierce County, WI, Polk County, WI, Rusk County, WI, Saint Croix County, WI

The radar

The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 30 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 03:10 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

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 00:00Z, 3.2 hours before the alert went out and 28 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, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2025-05-12Temperature 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, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2025-05-12The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 29 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 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
3342 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
22 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
29 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
113 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

260 
WWUS83 KMPX 120311
RFWMPX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1011 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED MONDAY...
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS POSSIBLE TUESDAY...

Our stretch of hot temperatures will continue on Monday, with the
limiting factor for fire weather being weaker winds than those
observed on Sunday. While we may not reach the typical 30mph wind
gust threshold for Red Flag conditions, fuels are incredibly dry
and temperatures will once again surge into the upper 80s to low
90s allowing RH to drop into the teens across Minnesota. Wisconsin
will have weaker winds and cooler temperatures, but will still
reach elevated conditions if not near-critical by the afternoon.

MNZ041>045-047>069-073>076-082-083-091-092-121130-
/O.EXP.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
/O.UPG.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.FW.W.0003.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Redwood-Brown-
Nicollet-Le Sueur-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Martin-Faribault-
1011 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM CDT MONDAY FOR
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MUCH OF CENTRAL THROUGH
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM CDT
Monday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to
  30 mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WIZ014-015-023-121130-
/O.EXP.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Polk-Barron-St. Croix-
1011 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH MONDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR PORTIONS OF WESTERN WISCONSIN...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to
  25 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

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.

&&

$$

MNZ070-077-084-WIZ016-120415-
/O.EXP.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
Dakota-Rice-Waseca-Rusk-
1011 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR PORTIONS OF EAST CENTRAL
MINNESOTA AS TEMPERATURES FALL AND HUMIDITY INCREASES OVERNIGHT....

Conditions will continue to improve overnight as temperatures
drop, winds weaken, and relative humidity increases. Compared to
Sunday, winds will be limited despite another hot and dry day on
Monday.

$$

WIZ024-121130-
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Pierce-
1011 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH MONDAY EVENING FOR PORTIONS OF WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up 
  to 25 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

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.

&&

$$
3 follow-up statements
018 
WWUS83 KMPX 120810
RFWMPX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
310 AM CDT Mon May 12 2025

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED TODAY...

The combination of hot temperatures in the 80s to lower 90s, very
low relative humidity values between 15 to 25 percent, and gusty
winds will work in tandem with dry fuels to create critical fire
weather conditions today. Fires can quickly spread out of control
in these conditions.

WIZ014-015-023-024-121615-
/O.UPG.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
/O.EXA.KMPX.FW.W.0003.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Polk-Barron-St. Croix-Pierce-
310 AM CDT Mon May 12 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY IN POLK, 
BARRON, ST. CROIX, AND PIERCE COUNTIES...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from noon today to 9 PM
CDT this evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to
  25 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

MNZ070-077-078-084-085-093-WIZ016-025-121615-
/O.EXA.KMPX.FW.W.0003.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Dakota-Rice-Goodhue-Waseca-Steele-Freeborn-Rusk-Dunn-
310 AM CDT Mon May 12 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR SOUTHEASTERN
MINNESOTA...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from noon today to 9 PM
CDT this evening. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up 
  to 30 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

MNZ041>045-047>069-073>076-082-083-091-092-121615-
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0003.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Redwood-Brown-
Nicollet-Le Sueur-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Martin-Faribault-
310 AM CDT Mon May 12 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM CDT
THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR CENTRAL
AND SOUTHERN MINNESOTA...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up 
  to 30 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$
326 
WWUS83 KMPX 121000
RFWMPX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
500 AM CDT Mon May 12 2025

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED TODAY...

The combination of hot temperatures in the 80s to lower 90s, very
low relative humidity values between 15 to 25 percent, and gusty
winds will work in tandem with dry fuels to create critical fire
weather conditions today. Fires can quickly spread out of control
in these conditions.

MNZ041>045-047>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-WIZ014>016-023>025-
130200-
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0003.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota-
Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Watonwan-Blue Earth-
Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-Polk-Barron-Rusk-
St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-
500 AM CDT Mon May 12 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM CDT
THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR CENTRAL
AND SOUTHERN MINNESOTA AND PORTIONS OF WESTERN WISCONSIN...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up 
  to 30 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$
967 
WWUS83 KMPX 121948
RFWMPX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
248 PM CDT Mon May 12 2025

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED TODAY...

The combination of hot temperatures in the 80s to lower 90s, very
low relative humidity values between 15 to 25 percent, and gusty
winds will work in tandem with dry fuels to create critical fire
weather conditions today. Fires can quickly spread out of control
in these conditions.

MNZ041>045-047>051-054>059-064>067-073>075-082-130700-
/O.NEW.KMPX.FW.A.0005.250513T1600Z-250514T0200Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250513T0200Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-
Wright-Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Redwood-Brown-
Nicollet-Watonwan-
248 PM CDT Mon May 12 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING
FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR CENTRAL AND
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA AND PORTIONS OF WESTERN WISCONSIN...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING FOR FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR CENTRAL AND
WESTERN MINNESOTA...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Tuesday morning
through Tuesday evening. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up 
  to 30 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

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

&&

$$

MNZ052-053-060>063-068>070-076>078-083>085-091>093-WIZ014>016-
023>025-130200-
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250513T0200Z/
Isanti-Chisago-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Scott-
Dakota-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Blue Earth-Waseca-Steele-Martin-
Faribault-Freeborn-Polk-Barron-Rusk-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-
248 PM CDT Mon May 12 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING
FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR CENTRAL AND
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA AND PORTIONS OF WESTERN WISCONSIN...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up 
  to 30 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Twin Cities, MN issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 12, 2:48 PM CDTFire Weather WatchMPXBenton, Brown, Chippewa, Douglas, Kanabec, Kandiyohi and 18 more12 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in Minnesota, 2025Red Flag Warnings in Wisconsin, 2025Every red flag warning in 2025

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.