Alert archive / Minnesota / Red Flag Warnings in 2026
Red Flag Warning 10, NWS Grand Forks, ND
NWS Grand Forks, ND issued this red flag warning at May 13, 2026, 2:22 PM CDT for 18 counties in Minnesota; 17 counties in North Dakota. It took effect at May 14, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT. It was in force for 36 hr. 57 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- May 13, 2026, 2:22 PM CDT (19:22 UTC)
- In effect from
- May 14, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT
- Expired
- May 15, 2026, 9:00 PM CDT
- In force
- 36 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Grand Forks, ND
All 35 counties
Becker County, MN, Beltrami County, MN, Clay County, MN, Clearwater County, MN, Grant County, MN, Hubbard County, MN, Kittson County, MN, Lake of the Woods County, MN, Mahnomen County, MN, Marshall County, MN, Norman County, MN, Otter Tail County, MN, Pennington County, MN, Polk County, MN, Red Lake County, MN, Roseau County, MN, Wadena County, MN, Wilkin County, MN, Barnes County, ND, Benson County, ND, Cass County, ND, Cavalier County, ND, Eddy County, ND, Grand Forks County, ND, Griggs County, ND, Nelson County, ND, Pembina County, ND, Ramsey County, ND, Ransom County, ND, Richland County, ND, Sargent County, ND, Steele County, ND, Towner County, ND, Traill County, ND, Walsh County, ND
The radar
The Fargo/Grand Forks radar (KMVX), 32 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:20 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 9:25 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 53 | 3 Ne Logan Center, ND | Mesonet station DVI08123 Northwood ND 12 NW. |
| May 14, 9:30 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 49 | 2 Sw Moorhead, MN | Mesonet station MN098 Moorhead MN DOT. |
| May 14, 9:35 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 46 | 1 Ssw Wahpeton, ND | AWOS station KBWP Wahpeton AP ND. |
| May 14, 9:40 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 46 | 2 Ene Sabin, MN | Mesonet station 217409 Sabin MN NDAWN. |
| May 14, 9:40 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 47 | 6 E Perley, MN | Mesonet station 216419 Perley MN NDAWN. |
| May 14, 9:45 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 45 | 3 E Dazey, ND | Mesonet station 321999 Dazey ND NDAWN. |
| May 14, 9:53 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 4 Nnw Fargo, ND | ASOS station KFAR Fargo AP ND. |
| May 14, 9:59 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 49 | 4 Nnw Emerado, ND | ASOS station KRDR Grand Forks ND AFB. |
| May 14, 10:00 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 45 | 1 E Langdon, ND | Mesonet station 324959 Langdon ND NDAWN. |
| May 14, 10:10 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 53 | 2 Se Dilworth, MN | Mesonet station MN013 Dilworth MN DOT. |
| May 14, 10:13 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 50 | 7 Nw Langdon, ND | Mesonet station EW3711 Dresden ND. |
| May 14, 10:15 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 46 | 6 W Kennedy, MN | Mesonet station 214249 Kennedy MN NDAWN. |
| May 14, 10:15 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 47 | 3 Sse Dilworth, MN | AWOS station KJKJ Moorhead AP MN. |
| May 14, 10:15 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 49 | 2 Sse Cooperstown, ND | AWOS station KS32 Cooperstown AP ND. |
| May 14, 10:15 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 50 | 3 Sse Mahnomen, MN | Mesonet station MN044 Mahnomen MN DOT. |
| May 14, 10:16 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 54 | 6 Wnw Grand Forks, ND | ASOS station KGFK Grand Forks AP ND. |
| May 14, 10:35 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 51 | 2 Ese Grafton, ND | AWOS station KGAF Grafton AP ND. |
| May 14, 10:40 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 47 | 3 S Waukon, MN | Mesonet station 215012 Waukon MN NDAWN. |
| May 14, 10:40 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 49 | 1 N Ada, MN | Mesonet station 210019 Ada MN NDAWN. |
| May 14, 10:45 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 46 | 2 W Tenney, MN | Mesonet station MN054 Tenney MN DOT. |
| May 14, 10:45 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 47 | 5 Ne Dwight, ND | Mesonet station 329109 Wahpeton ND NDAWN. |
| May 14, 10:45 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 4 Ene Hendrum, MN | Mesonet station MN058 Halstad MN DOT. |
| May 14, 10:50 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 49 | 4 Sw Humboldt, MN | Mesonet station 213879 Humboldt MN NDAWN. |
| May 14, 10:55 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 47 | 5 Ne Northwood, ND | Mesonet station 324580 Kempton ND NDAWN. |
| May 14, 10:55 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 48 | 3 Nnw Kent, MN | Mesonet station MN135 Kent MN DOT. |
| May 14, 10:55 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 50 | 1 N Pillsbury, ND | Mesonet station 327049 Pillsbury ND NDAWN. |
| May 14, 10:55 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 51 | 1 Se Gwinner, ND | AWOS station KGWR Gwinner AP ND. |
| May 14, 11:00 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 46 | 3 Ene Gatzke, MN | Mesonet station MN056 Gatzke MN DOT. |
| May 14, 11:05 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 47 | 1 Ene Stephen, MN | Mesonet station 218019 Stephen MN NDAWN. |
| May 14, 11:10 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 49 | 2 W Eldred, MN | Mesonet station 211549 Eldred MN NDAWN. |
| May 14, 11:15 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 45 | 1 Sse Frazee, MN | Mesonet station MN132 Frazee MN DOT. |
| May 14, 11:15 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 51 | 4 Nne Tabor, MN | Mesonet station 218649 Warren MN NDAWN. |
| May 14, 11:20 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 52 | 1 W Donaldson, MN | Mesonet station MN024 Donaldson MN DOT. |
| May 14, 11:30 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 54 | Mallory, MN | Mesonet station MN060 E Grand Forks MN DOT. |
| May 14, 11:31 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 51 | 3 S Thief River Falls, MN | AWOS station KTVF Thief River Falls AP MN. |
| May 14, 11:35 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 45 | 4 W Fergus Falls, MN | AWOS station KFFM Fergus Falls AP MN. |
| May 14, 11:35 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 45 | 6 W Greenbush, MN | Mesonet station 213629 Greenbush MN NDAWN. |
| May 14, 11:35 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 52 | 5 N Crookston, MN | AWOS station KCKN Crookston AP MN. |
| May 14, 11:45 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 47 | 10 Wsw Stephen, MN | Mesonet station FW2867 Arygle MN 12 WNW. |
| May 14, 11:45 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 54 | 1 N Rothsay, MN | Mesonet station MN014 Rothsay MN DOT. |
| May 14, 11:55 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 45 | 1 Wsw Elbow Lake, MN | AWOS station KY63 Elbow Lake AP MN. |
| May 14, 11:55 AM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 2 N Beltrami, MN | Mesonet station MN114 Beltrami MN DOT. |
| May 14, 12:05 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 48 | 5 Wnw Dalton, MN | Mesonet station MN130 Fergus Falls MN DOT. |
| May 14, 12:06 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 45 | 2 Ne Karlstad, MN | Mesonet station KITM5 Karlstad MN 1 NE. |
| May 14, 12:15 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 49 | 1 Sse Hallock, MN | AWOS station KHCO Hallock AP MN. |
| May 14, 12:15 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 49 | 3 S Brooks, MN | Mesonet station MN068 Brooks MN DOT. |
| May 14, 12:15 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 53 | 1 W Mayville, ND | Mesonet station DVI06914 Mayville ND 1 W. |
| May 14, 12:25 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 54 | 5 W Herman, MN | Mesonet station MN131 Herman MN DOT. |
| May 14, 12:35 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 53 | 1 Nw Valley City, ND | AWOS station KBAC Valley City AP ND. |
| May 14, 1:33 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 3 E Rollag, MN | NDAWN reports 58 mph gust. |
| May 15, 12:00 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 2 Nw Clyde, ND | Observation at ND040 NDDOT site. |
| May 15, 12:30 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND DMG | Roseau, MN | Report and video received via social media of birch tree downed by gusty non thunderstorm winds. Time estimated based on time posted to social media. |
| May 15, 2:00 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 5 Wsw Olga, ND | Corrects previous non-tstm wnd gst report from 5 WSW Olga. Peak measured observation at ND041 NDDOT RWIS. Earlier observation at 12pm of 59 mph. |
| May 15, 2:00 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 5 Wsw Olga, ND | Peak measured observation at ND041 NDDOT RAWS. Earlier observation at 12pm of 59 mph. |
| May 15, 2:05 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 1 Ene Saint Vincent, MN | Measured gust at MN057 MNDOT RWIS. |
| May 15, 2:58 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 1 Ese Hampden, ND | Corrects previous non-tstm wnd gst report from 1 ESE Hampden. Measured observation at HMDN8 NDDOT RWIS site at Hampden, ND. |
| May 15, 2:58 PM CDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 1 Ese Hampden, ND | Measured observation at HMDN8 NDDOT RAWS site at Hampden, ND. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
International Fa, MN (KINL), launched 12:00Z, 7.4 hours before the alert went out and 290 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 843 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 59 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 11 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 79 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
138 WWUS83 KFGF 131922 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 222 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026 MNZ001>005-007-008-013>016-022-023-027>031-040-NDZ006>008-014>016- 024-026>030-038-039-049-052>054-160200- /O.NEW.KFGF.FW.W.0010.260514T1400Z-260515T0300Z/ /O.EXT.KFGF.FW.A.0004.260515T1400Z-260516T0200Z/ West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-Roseau-West Marshall-East Marshall- Pennington-Red Lake-East Polk-North Clearwater-Mahnomen- South Clearwater-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin-West Otter Tail- East Otter Tail-Grant-Towner-Cavalier-Pembina-Benson-Ramsey- Eastern Walsh-Eddy-Nelson-Grand Forks-Griggs-Steele-Traill-Barnes- Cass-Ransom-Sargent-Richland-Western Walsh- 222 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM CDT THURSDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA AND PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA AND NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 9 AM to 10 PM CDT Thursday. The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Friday morning through Friday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, West Polk, Norman, Clay, Kittson, Roseau, West Marshall, East Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, East Polk, North Clearwater, Mahnomen, South Clearwater, West Becker, East Becker, Wilkin, West Otter Tail, East Otter Tail and Grant. In North Dakota, Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Benson, Ramsey, Eastern Walsh, Eddy, Nelson, Grand Forks, Griggs, Steele, Traill, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent, Richland and Western Walsh. * WINDS...Southeast then southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 21 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. 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. && $$ MNZ006-009-017-024-032-160200- /O.EXT.KFGF.FW.A.0004.260515T1400Z-260516T0200Z/ Lake Of The Woods-North Beltrami-South Beltrami-Hubbard-Wadena- 222 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA AND NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Friday morning through Friday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, Lake Of The Woods, North Beltrami, South Beltrami, Hubbard and Wadena. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 19 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. && $$
6 follow-up statements
616 WWUS83 KFGF 140133 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 833 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026 MNZ001>005-007-008-013>016-022-023-027>031-040-NDZ006>008-014>016- 024-026>030-038-039-049-052>054-160200- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0010.260514T1400Z-260515T0300Z/ /O.CON.KFGF.FW.A.0004.260515T1400Z-260516T0200Z/ West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-Roseau-West Marshall-East Marshall- Pennington-Red Lake-East Polk-North Clearwater-Mahnomen- South Clearwater-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin-West Otter Tail- East Otter Tail-Grant-Towner-Cavalier-Pembina-Benson-Ramsey- Eastern Walsh-Eddy-Nelson-Grand Forks-Griggs-Steele-Traill-Barnes- Cass-Ransom-Sargent-Richland-Western Walsh- 833 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM CDT THURSDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FOR EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA AND PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA AND NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, West Polk, Norman, Clay, Kittson, Roseau, West Marshall, East Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, East Polk, North Clearwater, Mahnomen, South Clearwater, West Becker, East Becker, Wilkin, West Otter Tail, East Otter Tail and Grant. In North Dakota, Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Benson, Ramsey, Eastern Walsh, Eddy, Nelson, Grand Forks, Griggs, Steele, Traill, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent, Richland and Western Walsh. * WINDS...Southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 21 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. 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. && $$ MNZ006-009-017-024-032-160200- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.A.0004.260515T1400Z-260516T0200Z/ Lake Of The Woods-North Beltrami-South Beltrami-Hubbard-Wadena- 833 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, Lake Of The Woods, North Beltrami, South Beltrami, Hubbard and Wadena. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 19 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. && $$
537 WWUS83 KFGF 140831 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 331 AM CDT Thu May 14 2026 MNZ001>005-007-008-013>016-022-023-027>031-040-NDZ006>008-014>016- 024-026>030-038-039-049-052>054-160200- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0010.260514T1400Z-260515T0300Z/ /O.CON.KFGF.FW.A.0004.260515T1400Z-260516T0200Z/ West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-Roseau-West Marshall-East Marshall- Pennington-Red Lake-East Polk-North Clearwater-Mahnomen- South Clearwater-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin-West Otter Tail- East Otter Tail-Grant-Towner-Cavalier-Pembina-Benson-Ramsey- Eastern Walsh-Eddy-Nelson-Grand Forks-Griggs-Steele-Traill-Barnes- Cass-Ransom-Sargent-Richland-Western Walsh- 331 AM CDT Thu May 14 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA AND PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA AND NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, West Polk, Norman, Clay, Kittson, Roseau, West Marshall, East Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, East Polk, North Clearwater, Mahnomen, South Clearwater, West Becker, East Becker, Wilkin, West Otter Tail, East Otter Tail and Grant. In North Dakota, Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Benson, Ramsey, Eastern Walsh, Eddy, Nelson, Grand Forks, Griggs, Steele, Traill, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent, Richland and Western Walsh. * WINDS...South to southeast wind 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph today turning southwest across eastern North Dakota by evening. West Winds 25 to 40 mph and gusts up to 50 mph Friday. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 21 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. 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. && $$ MNZ006-009-017-024-032-160200- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.A.0004.260515T1400Z-260516T0200Z/ Lake Of The Woods-North Beltrami-South Beltrami-Hubbard-Wadena- 331 AM CDT Thu May 14 2026 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF NORTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, Lake Of The Woods, North Beltrami, South Beltrami, Hubbard and Wadena. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. && $$
951 WWUS83 KFGF 141649 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 1149 AM CDT Thu May 14 2026 MNZ001>005-007-008-013>016-022-023-027>031-040-NDZ006>008-014>016- 024-026>030-038-039-049-052>054-160200- /O.CAN.KFGF.FW.A.0004.260515T1400Z-260516T0200Z/ /O.EXT.KFGF.FW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260516T0200Z/ West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-Roseau-West Marshall-East Marshall- Pennington-Red Lake-East Polk-North Clearwater-Mahnomen- South Clearwater-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin-West Otter Tail- East Otter Tail-Grant-Towner-Cavalier-Pembina-Benson-Ramsey- Eastern Walsh-Eddy-Nelson-Grand Forks-Griggs-Steele-Traill-Barnes- Cass-Ransom-Sargent-Richland-Western Walsh- 1149 AM CDT Thu May 14 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA AS WELL AS NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has upgraded the Fire Weather Watch. * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, West Polk, Norman, Clay, Kittson, Roseau, West Marshall, East Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, East Polk, North Clearwater, Mahnomen, South Clearwater, West Becker, East Becker, Wilkin, West Otter Tail, East Otter Tail and Grant. In North Dakota, Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Benson, Ramsey, Eastern Walsh, Eddy, Nelson, Grand Forks, Griggs, Steele, Traill, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent, Richland and Western Walsh. * WINDS...Southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. 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. && $$ MNZ006-009-017-024-032-160200- /O.UPG.KFGF.FW.A.0004.260515T1400Z-260516T0200Z/ /O.EXB.KFGF.FW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260516T0200Z/ Lake Of The Woods-North Beltrami-South Beltrami-Hubbard-Wadena- 1149 AM CDT Thu May 14 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR NORTHWESTERN AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect until 9 PM CDT Friday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, Lake Of The Woods, North Beltrami, South Beltrami, Hubbard and Wadena. * WINDS...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 17 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$
951 WWUS83 KFGF 150449 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 1149 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026 MNZ001>009-013>017-022>024-027>032-040-NDZ006>008-014>016-024- 026>030-038-039-049-052>054-160200- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260516T0200Z/ West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-Roseau-Lake Of The Woods- West Marshall-East Marshall-North Beltrami-Pennington-Red Lake- East Polk-North Clearwater-South Beltrami-Mahnomen- South Clearwater-Hubbard-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin- West Otter Tail-East Otter Tail-Wadena-Grant-Towner-Cavalier- Pembina-Benson-Ramsey-Eastern Walsh-Eddy-Nelson-Grand Forks- Griggs-Steele-Traill-Barnes-Cass-Ransom-Sargent-Richland- Western Walsh- 1149 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY ACROSS ALL OF EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA, NORTHWESTERN MINNESOTA, AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, West Polk, Norman, Clay, Kittson, Roseau, Lake Of The Woods, West Marshall, East Marshall, North Beltrami, Pennington, Red Lake, East Polk, North Clearwater, South Beltrami, Mahnomen, South Clearwater, Hubbard, West Becker, East Becker, Wilkin, West Otter Tail, East Otter Tail, Wadena and Grant. In North Dakota, Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Benson, Ramsey, Eastern Walsh, Eddy, Nelson, Grand Forks, Griggs, Steele, Traill, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent, Richland and Western Walsh. * WINDS...West 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. 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. && $$
010 WWUS83 KFGF 150820 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 320 AM CDT Fri May 15 2026 MNZ001>009-013>017-022>024-027>032-040-NDZ006>008-014>016-024- 026>030-038-039-049-052>054-160200- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260516T0200Z/ West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-Roseau-Lake Of The Woods- West Marshall-East Marshall-North Beltrami-Pennington-Red Lake- East Polk-North Clearwater-South Beltrami-Mahnomen- South Clearwater-Hubbard-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin- West Otter Tail-East Otter Tail-Wadena-Grant-Towner-Cavalier- Pembina-Benson-Ramsey-Eastern Walsh-Eddy-Nelson-Grand Forks- Griggs-Steele-Traill-Barnes-Cass-Ransom-Sargent-Richland- Western Walsh- 320 AM CDT Fri May 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY ACROSS ALL OF EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA, NORTHWESTERN MINNESOTA, AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, West Polk, Norman, Clay, Kittson, Roseau, Lake Of The Woods, West Marshall, East Marshall, North Beltrami, Pennington, Red Lake, East Polk, North Clearwater, South Beltrami, Mahnomen, South Clearwater, Hubbard, West Becker, East Becker, Wilkin, West Otter Tail, East Otter Tail, Wadena and Grant. In North Dakota, Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Benson, Ramsey, Eastern Walsh, Eddy, Nelson, Grand Forks, Griggs, Steele, Traill, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent, Richland and Western Walsh. * WINDS...West 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$
746 WWUS83 KFGF 160149 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 849 PM CDT Fri May 15 2026 MNZ001>009-013>017-022>024-027>032-040-NDZ006>008-014>016-024- 026>030-038-039-049-052>054-160300- /O.EXP.KFGF.FW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260516T0200Z/ West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-Roseau-Lake Of The Woods- West Marshall-East Marshall-North Beltrami-Pennington-Red Lake- East Polk-North Clearwater-South Beltrami-Mahnomen- South Clearwater-Hubbard-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin- West Otter Tail-East Otter Tail-Wadena-Grant-Towner-Cavalier- Pembina-Benson-Ramsey-Eastern Walsh-Eddy-Nelson-Grand Forks- Griggs-Steele-Traill-Barnes-Cass-Ransom-Sargent-Richland- Western Walsh- 849 PM CDT Fri May 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING... Gusty winds will continue to lessen while relative humidities will continue to increase. Thus critical fire weather conditions are ending. $$
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this red flag warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Grand Forks, ND wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at May 13, 12:40 PM CDT, 1 hour 42 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Fire Weather Watch in place for Thursday midday into Friday evening for the Devils Lake to Valley City areas due to low humidity and wind.
- Gusty south to southeast winds Thursday, strongest in the Red River valley mid morning to early afternoon with gusts 50 mph possible. West winds Friday may gust to 55 mph especially northeast North Dakota.
Area forecast discussion, May 13, 12:40 PM CDT, 1 hour 42 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
1240 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Fire Weather Watch in place for Thursday midday into Friday
evening for the Devils Lake to Valley City areas due to low
humidity and wind.
- Gusty south to southeast winds Thursday, strongest in the Red
River valley mid morning to early afternoon with gusts 50 mph
possible. West winds Friday may gust to 55 mph especially
northeast North Dakota.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 222 PM CDT Tue May 12 2026
...Synopsis...
Upper low rotating off towards Lake Superior will leave the
Northern Plains in northwesterly flow aloft tonight. The
pressure gradient will relax this evening as the surface low
pulls east and high pressure builds into the region. A bit of a
break from the wind tomorrow with the surface high nearby, but
rising upper heights and 850mb temps along with mostly sunny
skies will boost highs in the 70s. Another strong shortwave
trough will move towards the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border
Thursday, with pressure gradient and winds increasing again out
of the south. Some signals for precipitation along the surface
trough axis late Thursday into Thursday night, and a few of the
models show some elevated instability. Probabilities for
thunder are 20 percent and under. That shortwave moves off into
Ontario on Friday, with strong west winds as the surface low
moves by to the northeast. Near zonal to southwesterly flow
aloft sets up for the weekend into early next week, with the
highest chances for an embedded shortwave and thus some
precipitation on Sunday.
...Headlines for winds this evening as well as Thursday and
Friday...
Current winds gusting to 40 mph or greater across eastern ND and
west central MN this afternoon, and with a bit more mixing to be
had they could ramp up a bit more during the next few hours.
Some spots seeing some patchy blowing dust so included a mention
in the grids. Probabilities of wind gusts over 40 mph stay
above 50 percent through 00Z, then the winds should drop off.
Tomorrow will be fairly quiet as even with good mixing up to
700mb again the upper level winds are fairly week. While not
much cold air advection, plenty of mixing up past 800mb should
help bring 45 kts plus down to the surface. Similar mixing and
even higher winds aloft could bring the over 50 kts aloft down
to the surface at times. There is some 50 percent probability of
winds over high wind criteria Friday afternoon, but it is in the
NBM's usual high bias spot in the central RRV. Could see warning
criteria but given current headlines and Friday still pretty
far away will hold off on any watches for now. Will just keep
wind advisory going for this evening and deal with winds day by
day.
...Fire weather concerns through the week...
RH values have fallen to 30 percent just east of the Red River,
and will continue to see humidity drop off in the next few hours
before starting to recover. See little reason to make changes to
the current Red Flag warning. Tomorrow the winds will be much
lower, but still could get some good mixing and RH values down
to the 20 to 30 percent range. Will have to watch out for any
SPS/HWO needed for near critical messaging. Winds return out of
the south Thursday, but dew points will also be rising, so at
this point it seems afternoon RH values will stay around 30 to
40 percent. Winds shifting to the west behind the trough axis on
Friday will bring drier RHs and strong winds back, so will
monitor for future fire headlines.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 1240 PM CDT Wed May 13 2026
VFR conditions with mostly clear skies this afternoon. Some mid
and high clouds moving in later in the period, but should still
be VFR. Winds will be the main issue, as light and variable
shifts around to the southeast and begins to pick up this
evening. By late tonight or tomorrow morning, southeast winds at
20 to 30 kts sustained with gusts to 40 kts will be widespread.
Winds are even higher right off the deck at 50 to 55 kts, so
some low level wind shear is expected for a period tomorrow
morning.
&&
.FGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
ND...Fire Weather Watch from Friday morning through Friday evening
for NDZ008-016-027-029-030-039-049-052-053.
Fire Weather Watch from Thursday afternoon through Friday
evening for NDZ006-007-014-015-024-026-028-038-054.
MN...Fire Weather Watch from Friday morning through Friday evening
for MNZ001>009-013>017-022>024-027>032-040.
&&
DISCUSSION...JR
AVIATION...JRHazardous weather outlook, May 13, 3:28 AM CDT, 10 hours 54 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 328 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026 NDZ006-007-014-015-024-026-028-038-054-140830- Towner-Cavalier-Benson-Ramsey-Eddy-Nelson-Griggs-Barnes- Western Walsh- 328 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern North Dakota. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday Critical fire weather conditions are expected Thursday midday thru Friday evening due to strong winds and low humidity, along with dry grasses. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not anticipated today. MNZ001>009-013>017-022>024-027>032-040-NDZ008-016-027-029-030-039- 049-052-053-140830- West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-Roseau-Lake Of The Woods- West Marshall-East Marshall-North Beltrami-Pennington-Red Lake- East Polk-North Clearwater-South Beltrami-Mahnomen- South Clearwater-Hubbard-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin- West Otter Tail-East Otter Tail-Wadena-Grant-Pembina- Eastern Walsh-Grand Forks-Steele-Traill-Cass-Ransom-Sargent- Richland- 328 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern North Dakota, west central and northwest Minnesota. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday Critical fire weather conditions expected Friday due to strong west winds, low humidity and dry fuels, such as grasses and brush. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not anticipated today.
The office that day
Everything else NWS Grand Forks, ND issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 10:22 PM CDT | Frost Advisory | FGF | Beltrami, Lake of the Woods, Roseau | 8 hr |
| May 13, 3:14 AM CDT | Fire Weather Watch | FGF | Becker, Beltrami, Clay, Clearwater, Grant, Hubbard and 12 more | 33 hr |
| May 13, 2:14 PM CDT | Wind Advisory | FGF | Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Grant, Kittson, Mahnomen and 8 more | 32 hr |
Nearby
Red Flag Warnings in Minnesota, 2026Red Flag Warnings in North Dakota, 2026Every red flag warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.