textproduct: Grand Forks

KEY MESSAGES

- Near critical fire weather conditions across west central and northwestern Minnesota this afternoon with relative humidity values approaching 25%.

- At least near critical fire weather conditions will continue through the weekend with the potential for critical fire weather conditions, particularly on Friday.

UPDATE

Issued at 1112 PM CDT Wed May 6 2026

There is increasing confidence in near critical fire weather conditions tomorrow afternoon based on expected deeper vertical mixing. For this reason, an SPS was issued for near critical fire weather conditions in northwest Minnesota, as there is a high probability for areas to fall into the low to mid 20s in relative humidity. Winds should remain below 20 mph sustained, avoiding the potential for red flag conditions.

..Synopsis

Upper low continues to rotate over Hudson Bay, with several weak shortwaves coming down the backside of it from Manitoba into the Northern Plains. Colder than average temps and mostly cloudy skies will continue for much of the day, but some clearing tonight as the shortwaves start to pull east. Upper heights will rise a bit tomorrow, and although not a huge amount of warm air advection, the 850mb temps will be on an upward path.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 630 AM CDT Thu May 7 2026

Very simple TAFs today that will follow a typical diurnal trend. Winds will increase throughout the morning, becoming a steady breeze out of the northwest around or just over 10 knots by late morning, persisting through the afternoon and early evening. After sunset, this steady northwest breeze will become light and variable. Skies will be clear today, with only a few passing cirrus and maybe cumulus at KBJI. This evening, clouds will build in, but CIGs will remain at 10,000 ft AGL or higher.

FGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

ND...None. MN...None.