Alert archive / North Dakota / Red Flag Warnings in 2026
Red Flag Warning 8, NWS Grand Forks, ND
NWS Grand Forks, ND issued this red flag warning at May 11, 2026, 10:56 AM CDT for 8 counties in Minnesota; 17 counties in North Dakota. It took effect at May 11, 2026, 12:00 PM CDT. It was in force for 10 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, 2026, 10:56 AM CDT (15:56 UTC)
- In effect from
- May 11, 2026, 12:00 PM CDT
- Expired
- May 11, 2026, 10:00 PM CDT
- In force
- 10 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Grand Forks, ND
All 25 counties
Clay County, MN, Grant County, MN, Kittson County, MN, Marshall County, MN, Norman County, MN, Otter Tail County, MN, Polk 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 nearest sounding before it
Bismarck Municip, ND (KBIS), launched 12:00Z, 3.9 hours before the alert went out and 257 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
- 2054 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 46 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 243 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 308 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
520 WWUS83 KFGF 111556 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 1056 AM CDT Mon May 11 2026 NDZ006>008-014>016-024-026>030-038-039-049-052>054-120300- /O.NEW.KFGF.FW.W.0008.260511T1700Z-260512T0300Z/ Towner-Cavalier-Pembina-Benson-Ramsey-Eastern Walsh-Eddy-Nelson- Grand Forks-Griggs-Steele-Traill-Barnes-Cass-Ransom-Sargent- Richland-Western Walsh- 1056 AM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect until 10 PM CDT this evening. * AFFECTED AREA...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 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Winds shift to the west then northwest behind a front this evening. * 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. && $$
5 follow-up statements
053 WWUS83 KFGF 111855 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 155 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 NDZ006-014-015-024-026-028-038-039-049-052-053-130200- /O.NEW.KFGF.FW.W.0009.260512T1700Z-260513T0200Z/ /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ Towner-Benson-Ramsey-Eddy-Nelson-Griggs-Barnes-Cass-Ransom- Sargent-Richland- 155 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM CDT TUESDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PARTS OF THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AN EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM CDT Tuesday. * AFFECTED AREA...In North Dakota, Towner, Benson, Ramsey, Eddy, Nelson, Griggs, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent and Richland. * WINDS...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph through early evening. Winds shift to the west then northwest behind a front this evening. Strong northwest winds are then expected Tuesday, with gusts to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent this afternoon and below 30 percent Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ NDZ007-008-016-027-029-030-054-120300- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ Cavalier-Pembina-Eastern Walsh-Grand Forks-Steele-Traill- Western Walsh- 155 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In North Dakota, Cavalier, Pembina, Eastern Walsh, Grand Forks, Steele, Traill and Western Walsh. * WINDS...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Winds shift to the west then northwest behind a front this evening. * 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. && $$
647 WWUS83 KFGF 111859 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 159 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 NDZ006-014-015-024-026-028-038-039-049-052-053-130200- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0009.260512T1700Z-260513T0200Z/ Towner-Benson-Ramsey-Eddy-Nelson-Griggs-Barnes-Cass-Ransom- Sargent-Richland- 159 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM CDT TUESDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In North Dakota, Towner, Benson, Ramsey, Eddy, Nelson, Griggs, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent and Richland. * WINDS...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph through early evening. Winds shift to the west then northwest behind a front this evening. Strong northwest winds are then expected Tuesday, with gusts to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent this afternoon and below 30 percent Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ NDZ007-008-016-027-029-030-054-120300- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ Cavalier-Pembina-Eastern Walsh-Grand Forks-Steele-Traill- Western Walsh- 159 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In North Dakota, Cavalier, Pembina, Eastern Walsh, Grand Forks, Steele, Traill and Western Walsh. * WINDS...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Winds shift to the west then northwest behind a front this evening. * 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. && $$
476 WWUS83 KFGF 112125 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 425 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 MNZ001>004-007-029-030-040-120100- /O.EXB.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0100Z/ West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-West Marshall-Wilkin- West Otter Tail-Grant- 425 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect until 8 PM CDT this evening. * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, West Polk, Norman, Clay, Kittson, West Marshall, Wilkin, West Otter Tail and Grant. * WINDS...South 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ NDZ006-014-015-024-026-028-038-039-049-052-053-130200- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0009.260512T1700Z-260513T0200Z/ Towner-Benson-Ramsey-Eddy-Nelson-Griggs-Barnes-Cass-Ransom- Sargent-Richland- 425 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM CDT TUESDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In North Dakota, Towner, Benson, Ramsey, Eddy, Nelson, Griggs, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent and Richland. * WINDS...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph through early evening. Winds shift to the west then northwest behind a front this evening. Strong northwest winds are then expected Tuesday, with gusts to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent this afternoon and below 30 percent Tuesday. * 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. && $$ NDZ007-008-016-027-029-030-054-120300- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ Cavalier-Pembina-Eastern Walsh-Grand Forks-Steele-Traill- Western Walsh- 425 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In North Dakota, Cavalier, Pembina, Eastern Walsh, Grand Forks, Steele, Traill and Western Walsh. * WINDS...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Winds shift to the west then northwest behind a front this evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$
996 WWUS83 KFGF 120052 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 752 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 MNZ001>004-007-029-030-040-120300- /O.EXT.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-West Marshall-Wilkin- West Otter Tail-Grant- 752 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, West Polk, Norman, Clay, Kittson, West Marshall, Wilkin, West Otter Tail and Grant. * WINDS...Southeast 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 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. && $$ NDZ006-014-015-024-026-028-038-039-049-052-053-130200- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0009.260512T1700Z-260513T0200Z/ Towner-Benson-Ramsey-Eddy-Nelson-Griggs-Barnes-Cass-Ransom- Sargent-Richland- 752 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM CDT TUESDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In North Dakota, Towner, Benson, Ramsey, Eddy, Nelson, Griggs, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent and Richland. * WINDS...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph through early evening. Winds shift to the west then northwest behind a front this evening. Strong northwest winds are then expected Tuesday, with gusts to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent this afternoon and below 30 percent Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ NDZ007-008-016-027-029-030-054-120300- /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ Cavalier-Pembina-Eastern Walsh-Grand Forks-Steele-Traill- Western Walsh- 752 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In North Dakota, Cavalier, Pembina, Eastern Walsh, Grand Forks, Steele, Traill and Western Walsh. * WINDS...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Winds shift to the west then northwest behind a front this evening. * 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. && $$
825 WWUS83 KFGF 120259 RFWFGF URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 959 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 MNZ001>004-007-029-030-040-120400- /O.CAN.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-West Marshall-Wilkin- West Otter Tail-Grant- 959 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA... Relative Humidity values have increased and winds have decreased. Therefore critical fire weather conditions have ended for today, and the Red Flag Warning has been allowed to expire. $$ NDZ006-014-015-024-026-028-038-039-049-052-053-130200- /O.EXP.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ /O.CON.KFGF.FW.W.0009.260512T1700Z-260513T0200Z/ Towner-Benson-Ramsey-Eddy-Nelson-Griggs-Barnes-Cass-Ransom- Sargent-Richland- 959 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM CDT TUESDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... * AFFECTED AREA...In North Dakota, Towner, Benson, Ramsey, Eddy, Nelson, Griggs, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent and Richland. * WINDS...Northwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 28 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. && $$ NDZ007-008-016-027-029-030-054-120400- /O.EXP.KFGF.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260512T0300Z/ Cavalier-Pembina-Eastern Walsh-Grand Forks-Steele-Traill- Western Walsh- 959 PM CDT Mon May 11 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA... Relative Humidity values have increased and winds have decreased. Therefore critical fire weather conditions have ended for today, and the Red Flag Warning has been allowed to expire. $$
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 11, 9:12 AM CDT, 1 hour 44 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- There is a chance for strong wind gusts 45 mph or higher Tuesday and Thursday as several fronts pass through the region during the daytime and evening periods.
- Near critical fire weather conditions are expected over parts of the region each afternoon Monday through Friday. There is a 30% chance for Red Flag Conditions during these periods.
Area forecast discussion, May 11, 9:12 AM CDT, 1 hour 44 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 912 AM CDT Mon May 11 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - There is a chance for strong wind gusts 45 mph or higher Tuesday and Thursday as several fronts pass through the region during the daytime and evening periods. - Near critical fire weather conditions are expected over parts of the region each afternoon Monday through Friday. There is a 30% chance for Red Flag Conditions during these periods. && .UPDATE... Issued at 911 AM CDT Mon May 11 2026 Morning temperatures have recovered well into the 40s for most locations (already lower 50s in far southeast ND). The frost/freeze headlines were allowed to expire as scheduled. UPDATE Issued at 718 AM CDT Mon May 11 2026 No further changes. Updated aviation discussion for 12z TAFs. UPDATE Issued at 321 AM CDT Mon May 11 2026 Coordination with neighboring offices yielded near critical fire weather messaging for eastern ND and northwest and west central MN this afternoon and early evening. From the looks of RH values and past few days did not change what the evening shift had for dew pts, which mixed in some lower HRRR values. Net result was lower RH values in the 20 to 25 percent in lower wind areas (MN trees) to 24 to 28 percent elsewhere. All areas borderline red flag. Coordination yielded near critical for all areas of the fcst area. South winds today look to be sustained 23-25 mph and gusts near 40 mph in the valley, just shy of advisory levels. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 339 PM CDT Sun May 10 2026 ...Synopsis... Deep northerly flow remains in place across the Northern Plains, with upstream ridging amplifying over the northern Rockies in Canada. We are still under the primary influence of the troughing/colder northerly flow, however the pattern is starting to break down and this trend will continue tonight through Monday as the downstream upper low continues to move east and eventually northwest flow builds into the region by Monday and Tuesday. A shortwave trough is shown to pass through this flow late in the day Monday into Monday night bringing a period of high based light showers and isolated thunderstorms (late afternoon through Monday night). Any activity that develops early enough may carry the risk for strong wind gusts (50mph), however as most activity is favored closer to sunset or later this threat is lower. Due to the amount of dry air ahead of this system, and limited moisture advection with it, potential rain totals will be minimal (generally 0.1" or less). A progressive pattern with increased heights is expected through the rest of the week into next weekend, resulting in increasing temperatures (above average), deeper moisture return (higher rain total potential where rain/thunderstorms to develop), and periodic shortwave trough passages. These bring low rain/thunderstorm chances (high spread in ensembles on location/coverage) and periods of windy conditions/fire weather impacts (frontal timing dependent). Long story short: After tonight it is looking like we are finally transitioning into a more consistent "Spring-like" pattern. ...Frost/freeze impacts late tonight/Monday morning... A Freeze Warning was issued for most of northwest MN where probabilities for widespread subfreezing temperatures exceed 80% (NBM/LREF), with lowest values in colder areas reaching the mid 20s. The position of the cold pool will be shifting east, however surface ridging will be centered over north central MN and calm winds/clear skies will set the stage for ideal radiational conditions in these areas. A Frost Advisory was issued for eastern ND and the southern Red River Valley of west central MN. The recover of the air mass through the night occurs west to east, and as low pressure builds to the west southeast winds increase creating more uncertainty in widespread freeze impacts Monday morning and the potential for lowest temperatures in the west to actually fall shortly after midnight in the Devils Lake Basin. Even where winds increase, 2m temperatures should fall below 36F for at least a period of the morning hours and sheltered locations would likely fall to near 32F with frost impacts. In the northern Red River Valley of ND winds may be delayed long enough that subfreezing temperatures occur outside of just sheltered areas, and NBM shows a 50% chance for these conditions as far south as Grand Forks County, though the duration of these impacts if they occur would be limited as winds do increase after 4AM even in those areas. ...Strong winds this week... Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday all feature signals for elevated winds as shortwave troughs and associated cold frontal passages through the region. Model mixed layer winds Monday show a brief period of near advisory gusts (around 45mph) with the immediate frontal passage, and the short duration/marginal nature may limit impacts. Tuesday in particular stands out, with ECMWF EFI values 0.8 across almost our entire CWA, which often correlates with the potential for High Wind Warning impacts. NBM probabilities are generally lower for gusts 58mph+ (40% or less). The signal Thursday isn't as strong regarding EFI, however NBM probabilities highlight similar probabilities as Tuesday. At this point probabilities are not high enough for considering Wind Advisories or High Wind Watch products, and the progressive nature of these waves naturally creates increased uncertainty regarding smaller scale details and impacts. ...Fire weather impacts this week... The inherent uncertainty with the periods of strong wind/frontal passages also results in increased uncertainty on timing/location of lowest RH values in relation to the timing of stronger winds that could result in critical fire weather conditions/Red Flag Conditions. Much drier mixed layer Tds are initially in place through Monday, however as the front approaches mixed layer Tds are shown to increase near the prefrontal trough. There is still a window in our far east/north central MN counties where RH values may fall to 25% or less, however this is ahead of the stronger mixed layer winds. Near critical fire weather conditions appear more likely at this point Monday afternoon for those counties. RH values become much less certain through the week (especially towards the end of the week) as deeper moisture return favors increased mixed layer Tds (even if there is deeper mixing), only offset by the potential for higher temperatures in the 70s and 80s (outside signal for values near 90 in the souther RRV Thursday). As we get closer to the periods when shorter range guidance starts better resolving smaller scale features/frontal timing we should be able to get a better handle on periods when Red Flag conditions may occur. && .AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z TUESDAY/... Issued at 718 AM CDT Mon May 11 2026 VFR sky and vsbys into tonight. High clouds increasing today with a period of mid clouds late aftn into the night with front. Shower and isold t-storm chance but at this present time chance too low to mention at anyone TAF site at any specific time. Main issue in the RRV will be south-southeast winds today increasing with gusts 30-35 kts this aftn. Lesser wind in BJI. && .FGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... ND...None. MN...None. && UPDATE...Riddle/DJR DISCUSSION...DJR AVIATION...Riddle
Hazardous weather outlook, May 11, 6:17 AM CDT, 4 hours 39 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Grand Forks ND 617 AM CDT Mon May 11 2026 MNZ001>009-013>017-022>024-027>032-040-NDZ006>008-014>016-024- 026>030-038-039-049-052>054-121130- 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- 617 AM CDT Mon May 11 2026 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern North Dakota, west central and northwest Minnesota. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Near critical fire weather conditions this afternoon and early evening due to low humidity and gusty winds. Isolated thunderstorms may occur this evening until midnight mainly northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Lightning and gusty winds to 40 mph the main hazard. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Gusty west to northwest winds Tuesday 35 to 45 mph and south winds gusting 35 to 50 mph Thursday. Near critical or critical fire weather conditions may occur each afternoon. Chance for thunderstorms this weekend, with lightning the main hazard. .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 11, 1:02 PM CDT | Wind Advisory | FGF | Becker, Clay, Grant, Kittson, Marshall, Norman and 3 more | 31 hr |
| May 11, 1:55 PM CDT | Red Flag Warning | FGF | Clay, Grant, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Polk and 1 more | 31 hr |
Nearby
Red Flag Warnings in North Dakota, 2026Red Flag Warnings in Minnesota, 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive.