Relative humidity values will drop to 25 to 30 percent range this afternoon. South winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to up to 35 mph are forecast. The winds combined with the low humidity and dry fuels will bring another day of near-critical fire weather conditions. Any fire that does develop has the potential to quickly spread. Check burning restrictions and fire danger levels and consult with fire officials before burning. For more information on burning restrictions for Minnesota, see www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS THURSDAY AND FRIDAY... .Southerly winds with gusts around 40 to 45 mph are expected today ahead of an approaching front. Relative humidity values will fall to 25 to 30 percent across portions of Minnesota during the afternoon. A Red Flag Warning has been expanded into central Minnesota for this afternoon. Any small amount of moisture increase associated with the front will be short lived as northwest winds bring lower dew points back into Minnesota and Wisconsin Friday. Temperatures Friday are forecast to be in the 80s area wide, leading to RH values falling below 20 percent. The winds are not expected to be quite as strong as Thursday, but look to remain high enough for critical fire weather. * AFFECTED AREA...Portions of central and east central Minnesota. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, until 4 PM CDT this afternoon. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening. * WINDS...For the Red Flag Warning south winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, and for the Fire Weather Watch west winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...For the Red Flag Warning Around 25 percent, and for the Fire Weather Watch Around 19 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.