Expected

SOUTHEAST WINDS INCREASE TO 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH THIS AFTERNOON. THE WINDS COMBINED WITH RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES OF AROUND 30 PERCENT WILL CREATE NEAR CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS OVER NORTHWEST MINNESOTA FROM NOON TO 8 PM TODAY. A RED FLAG WARNING FOR CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS IS IN EFFECT FOR AREAS FROM BEMIDJI TO FERGUS FALLS AND SOUTH WHERE HUMIDITY VALUES WILL BE LOWER.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 204 Eastern Panhandle/Crescent Lake NWR, Fire Weather Zone 206 Sandhills/Valentine NWR/Nebraska National Forest, Fire Weather Zone 208 Niobrara Valley/Fort Niobrara NWR/Samuel R McKelvie National Forest, Fire Weather Zone 209 Loup Rivers Basin, Fire Weather Zone 210 Frenchman Basin and Fire Weather Zone 219 Loess Plains. * TIMING...Late this morning into this evening. * WINDS...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

Wednesday afternoon high temperatures in the mid 70s to lower 80s, relative humidity values dropping to around 30 percent, and breezy southeasterly winds of 10 to 20 mph and with gusts between 25 to 30 mph will support near critical fire weather conditions across east central Minnesota this afternoon. Check burning restrictions and fire danger levels and consult with fire officials before burning. For more information on burning restrictions for Minnesota, see

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 12 inches, with the accumulations up to 18 inches across the Pitchstone Plateau in southwest Yellowstone. Winds gusting between 30 and 45 mph. * WHERE...Yellowstone National Park. * WHEN...From noon today to 11 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Total snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches at Mammoth and 6 to 9 inches around Old Faithful and Canyon. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches for elevations above 7,500 feet. Total accumulations around 20 inches are possible for the highest elevations of the Teton Mountains. Winds gusting between 30 and 40 mph, with gusts around 50 mph across the highest elevations. * WHERE...Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains. * WHEN...From noon today to 11 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult, including over Teton Pass and Togwotee Pass.

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches, with the highest peaks seeing accumulations around 15 inches. Winds gusting between 35 and 50 mph. * WHERE...Salt River and Wyoming Ranges. * WHEN...From noon today to 11 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, including over Salt River Pass. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches across Salt River Pass. Slow down and use caution while traveling. For graphical depictions of the snowfall forecast, including the

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches for elevations 9,000 feet and above. Winds gusting between 50 and 70 mph, especially across the eastern portions of the Absaroka Mountains. * WHERE...Absaroka Mountains. * WHEN...From noon today to 11 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult, especially in the backcountry. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches along US 14/60/20 west of Cody and across Chief Joseph Pass.

The combination of low relative humidity in the 20 to 25 percent range, ongoing drought conditions, and gusty winds will continue to dry out fuels. This will result in an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires today. Any dry grass, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly. Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. Additionally, exercise

The combination of low relative humidity in the 20 to 25 percent range, ongoing drought conditions, and gusty winds will continue to dry out fuels. This will result in an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires today. Any dry grass, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly. Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. Additionally, exercise

A combination of very dry air, with minimum relative humidity of 15 to 25 percent, and west southwesterly winds that will gust up to 30 mph, will increase the risk of wildfires and fire spread today. Dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly. Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. Additionally, exercise