‘High’ Fire Rating Today, But Rain Possible Tonight

Inver Grove Heights and the rest of the Twin Cities metropolitan are in a “high” fire danger rating because of unusually warm temperatures and windy conditions, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

But considering rain is in the forecast starting Sunday night, that fire rating could change soon.

While the area’s fire rating is below the “very high” status that most of southern Minnesota was under last week, the conditions still are ripe for blazes.

According to the DNR’s statewide fire danger and current burning restrictions webpage, a “high” fire rating means:

Fires start easily and spread at a moderate rate. Fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally low. Fires in open-cured grassland will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days. Woods fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The average fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations of fuel may burn hot. Short-distance spotting may occur, but is not persistent. Fires are not likely to become serious, and control is relatively easy.

The National Weather Service forecast for Sunday afternoon calls for partly sunny skies with a high of 78. South winds could gust as high as 25 miles per hour.

Rain showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast from Sunday night through Tuesday night. Highs over the period are expected to reach the 60s and 70s.

For an updated forecast for Inver Grove Heights, click here

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