Update: Brace For Wildfire Risk This Saturday With High Winds

UNDATED (WJON News) -- The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of Minnesota effective Saturday due to extreme fire danger.  

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A Red Flag Warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions, including strong winds and low humidity. Do not burn in counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and check any recent burning to ensure the coals are completely out cold.

The DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits during the Red Flag Warning and campfires are discouraged. People should use caution when doing activities that can cause sparks or heat near vegetation by securing trailer chains, parking ATVs on gravel or pavement, and using chainsaws or other equipment outside of the Red Flag warning hours.

Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, with humidity as low as 18 percent.

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

Winds slow on Sunday while temperatures remain warm.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says 66 percent of Minnesota is abnormally dry, 34 percent is in a moderate drought, and three percent is in a severe drought.