Willmar and west central Minnesota remain in a National Weather Service-issued red flag warning this morning.
As warm, dry air and gusty winds move into the area, temperatures are expected to reach into the mid-90s by the afternoon. Wind gusts could reach as high as 40 mph.
Isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecasted to dissipate by 1 p.m.
Pope, Stearns, Lac Qui Parle, Swift, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Renville and Stevens counties are all included in the red flag warning, which will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service, a red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will occur shortly. The combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
